IDWEST FLYER AGAZINE M AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
Published For & By The Midwest Aviation Community Since 1978
midwestflyer.com Des Moines Flying Service Authorized Piper Dealer | HondaJet Authorized Sales and Service Extensive Parts Inventory and Expertise 75 Plus Years Piper Sales and Service Experience 2015 M500 Strength, Flexibility & Luxury Pratt & Whitney Power | 260 KTAS | 1,000 NM Range 30,000 Max. Altitude | Known Ice Protection
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DesMoinesFlyerFinal2015_rev.indd 1 2/24/15 8:30 AM Des Moines Flying Service Authorized Piper Dealer | HondaJet Authorized Sales and Service Extensive Parts Inventory and Expertise 75 Plus Years Piper Sales and Service Experience 2015 M500 Strength, Flexibility & Luxury Finding the right Pratt & Whitney Power | 260 KTAS | 1,000 NM Range 30,000 Max. Altitude | Known Ice Protection fit for ADS-B Out If you’re confused by the ADS-B Out mandate, you’re not alone. Most aircraft owners know that the FAA has set a 2020 deadline to equip for ADS-B Out in order to fly anywhere a Mode C transponder is required today. But beyond that, it can be hard to figure out exactly where to go from here. AOPA members ask us all the time if they need to equip, exactly what equipment is required, what options are available to them, and what different products cost. To make finding the answers easier, AOPA has created an online ADS-B Out Selector Tool to help you determine whether or not you need to equip and what type of equipment will work for the way you fly. Answering a series of simple questions like, “Do you fly in airspace where a transponder currently is required?” and “Will you fly outside the United States, including Canada?” will lead you through a decision matrix to the right type of system for you. The tool will tell you whether you need to install UAT, Mode S, or combined UAT and WAAS equipment in order to comply with the FAA’s mandate. Once you know what type of system meets your needs, a simple click will take you to a table of available options, including manufacturer suggested retail prices, anticipated availability, and helpful notes like “dual band” or “optional Wi-Fi.” Another click will take you straight to the manufacturer’s product page so you can learn more about each option directly from the source. With the deadline to equip now less than five years away, and prices for ADS-B Out equipment down as much as 60 percent in recent months, it’s time to start making a plan for when and how you’ll comply with the ADS-B mandate. Visit AOPA.org and search for “ADS-B Out Selector” to use our free tools and start getting ready for 2020.
Mark R. Baker President & CEO, AOPA
*For more information on the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the issues that affect your flying go to www.aopa.org today. a Des Moines Flying Service Company AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 3 www.dmfs.com | 800.622.8311 | Parts Direct 800.247.2560
DesMoinesFlyerFinal2015_rev.indd 1 2/24/15 8:30 AM Vol. 37. No. 5 ContentsContents Issn: 0194-5068 August/September 2015 ON THE COVER: Max Schoening of Wildwood, Missouri, in the cockpit of his grandfather’s 1960 Piper PA18 Super Cub during the Price County Fly-In & Airshow in IDWEST FLYER Phillips, Wisconsin. Since this photo was taken in 2012, Max is now 13 and taking flying AGAZINE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 lessons, including some stick time in the Super Cub. Max is the son of Paul and Sherryl M Schoening, and the grandson of Dee and Pat Welch of Phillips, Wis. Dave Weiman Photo HEADLINES 60th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference Addressed Pressing Issues & Recognized Accomplishments...... 28 Illinois DOT Names Airports of the Year At Illinois Aviation Conference...... 30 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Students Win 39th Annual Air Race Classic...... 32 Flying Rotarians Celebrate 50th Anniversary With Visits To Wisconsin & North Dakota, & Grand Tour of Minnesota...... 33 Price County Airport Fly-In & Air Show...... 34 Published For & By The Midwest Aviation Community Since 1978 midwestflyer.com
Pilot Hosts Breakfast On His Farm...... 35 MFM AugSept2015 Issue.indd 1 7/4/15 7:47 AM Sun 'n Fun 2015 Contributes $64 Million To Local Economy...... 36 Lost Airplane That Led D-Day Invasion Located At Basler’s ...... 43 Discover Aviation Days – The Doorway To Understanding General Aviation...... 50 Madden’s Resort Hosts Minnesota Seaplane Seminar & Fly-In...... 53
COLUMNS AOPA Central Regional Report - by Yasmina Platt...... 19 AOPA Great Lakes Regional Report - by Bryan Budds...... 18 Ask Pete - by Pete Schoeninger...... 8 Aviation Law - On Your Side - by Greg Reigel...... 10 - by Russell Klingaman...... 12 Dialogue - by Dave Weiman...... 5 20 From AOPA Headquarters - by Mark R. Baker...... 17 High On Health - by Dr. Bill Blank, M.D...... 15 Instrument Flight - by Michael J. “Mick” Kaufman...... 22 Minnesota Aeronautics Bulletin - by Cassandra Isackson, Rick Braunig & Dan McDowell...... 46 Paulisms - by Paul Poberezny...... 9 Pilot Proficiency - by Harold Green...... 20 Wisconsin Aeronautics Report - by Hal Davis...... 44 FEATURES 36 Spot Landing Contest To Be Held At Milwaukee-Timmerman Airport – by Harold Mester...... 27 Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame Lands In Springfield – by Jim Bildilli...... 31 Hey, Where’s The Tower? – by Jim Bildilli...... 38 Jet Air Group, Serving Pilots & The Green Bay Packers – by Dave Weiman...... 40 Moving Up To The Lightspeed Zulu PFX Headset For Comfort & Enhanced Functionality – by Dave Weiman...... 49 George E. Luck – GA Flight Instructor & Former Test Pilot
– by Michael J. “Mick” Kaufman...... 63 40
SECTIONS Aircraft...... 26 Minnesota Aviation Industry News....50
Airport Restaurants...... 59 Minnesota Education Section...... 56 At Our Airports...... 27 People In The News...... 16 Awards & Recognition...... 32 Products & Services...... 49 Calendar...... 58 Technology...... 38 Classifieds...... 60 WATA Difference...... 40 Fly-Ins, Air Shows & Special Events.34 Wisconsin Aviation Conference...... 28 56 Illinois Aviation Conference...... 30
4 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Dialogue It’s Heads Up For Drones & Their Owner/Operators
by Dave Weiman which the legal enforcement action was based (see article on page 10). n this issue of Midwest Flyer Next, attorney Russ Klingaman brings to our attention Magazine, there are several articles FAA’s definition of an “aircraft” as it pertains to unmanned intended to keep us out of trouble aerial or aircraft systems (UAS), often referred to as “drones.” whenI it comes to potential violations to According to Mr. Klingaman, if a pilot operates a drone in a Federal Aviation Regulations, and make careless or reckless manner, his/her pilot certificate could be in us aware of our rights when it comes jeopardy (see article on page 12). to Federal Aviation Administration The Minnesota Department of Transportation Office enforcement actions. of Aeronautics also addresses the operation of unmanned First, attorney Greg Reigel discusses aircraft systems, and is requiring their owners to pay the state’s changes in the way FAA enforcement actions can be settled. aircraft registration fee. In addition, if the UAS is used for Things are more formal now, says Reigel, and must be commercial purposes, the owner/operator will be expected documented with a written “settlement agreement” that is to obtain a commercial operator’s license from the State, the executed by both parties. As you will read, Mr. Reigel feels same as any other aviation business (see article on page 46). that formalizing such agreements is a good thing, so long Regardless of whether or not we intend to go out and buy as we do not unknowingly give up our right to file a claim a UAS for recreation or commercial purposes, it is important against an aviation safety inspector who may have acted to fly our manned aircraft with caution, especially at low improperly or contrary to law during an investigation upon altitudes. q Stay Engaged & Connected With Subscribe Midwest Flyer Magazine ››› Now Subscribe Online www.MidwestFlyer.com Building a Better World for All of Us®
AVIATION SERVICES Architecture Construction Administration Design-build Environmental Funding/Grants GIS Land Acquisition Planning Public Involvement Surveying System Planning
DRAWING SCALE IN FEET 0 100 200 300 Zoning EXIST. NDB
EXIST . 40:1 TERPS D
EPARTUR NT FUT. 40:1 E SURFA EASEME TERPS D CE EPARTURE PIPELINE SURFACE
NT
EASEME
PIPELINE
EXIST. AIRPORT PROPERTYEXIST. & FUT. 25' BRL FUTURE AIRPORT PROPERTY
FUT. MN/DOT CLEAR ZONE 500' X 1,000' X 800' FUT. TSA
FUT. FAA RPZ 500' X FUT. 35' WIDE PARALLEL TAXIWAY
1,000' X 7 79'
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EXIST. & FUT. 500' OFA
CENTRAL PORTION OF RPZ FUT. TAXIWAY OFA TO BE REMOVED WHEN RWY IS EXTENDED FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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EXIST. FUT. 200' PAPI PAPI
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FUTURE RUNWAY 3,500' x 75' EXISTING RUNWAY 3,304' x 75'
FUT. RUNWAY 14 FUT. 150' RSA STA. 98+04 196' RWY EXT. Joel Dresel ELEV. = 1287.00' FUT. 250' OFZ EXIST. EASEMENT CSAH NO. 2 EXIST. 150' RSA
FUTURE AIRPORT PROPERTY ELEV. = 1291.5' + 15' = 1306.5' 97.4' CLEAR EXIST. 20:1 43.9' CLEAR EXIST. 40:1 EXIST. 250' OFZ 87.9' CLEAR FUT. 20:1 39.2' CLEAR FUT. 40:1 EXISTING RUNWAY 14 STA. 100+00 ELEV. = 1286.80' ROAD HAS BEEN CLOSED EXIST. & FUT. 500' OFA EXISTING AIRPORT PROPERTY [email protected] E 500' X 1,000' X 800' EXIST. MN/DOT CLEAR ZON
EXIST. & FUT. 25' BRL EXIST. FAA RPZ 500' X 1,000' X 700' FUT. 8' FENCE 800.325.2055 CE
FUT. 40:1 DEPARTURE SURFA RFACE EXIST. 40:1 DEPARTURE SU sehinc.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 5 Index To Advertisers August/MIDWESTseptember 2015 FLYERMAGAZINE Serving The Midwest Aviation Community Since 1978 Academy College...... 9 LEFT-BASE.com...... 31 Aero Insurance, LLC...... 27 Leineweber Law...... 41 Editor/PublishEr Aero Legal Services...... 53 Maxwell Aircraft Service...... 38 Dave Weiman Aerolab USA...... 17 Metropolitan Airports Commission...... 13 Production dirEctor Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA).. 3 Mid-Continent Aircraft Corp. (Cessna C-Star)...60 Peggy Weiman AircraftInsurance.com...... 60 Mid-Continent Insurance...... 60 Photo Journalists airpac.com...... 42 Midwest Aircraft Appraisal...... 60 Don Winkler, Geoff Sobering, Airways Gifts...... 60 Midwest Flyer Magazine...... 40, 55, & 64 Mike Nightengale Avfuel Corporation...... 61 Milwaukee County's Timmerman Airport...... 63 Basler Turbo Conversions, LLC...... 40 Minnesota Aviation Trades Ass'n (MATA)...... 51 contributing Editors & PhotograPhErs Beaver Aviation, Inc...... 34 & 40 Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics...... 46 Mark Baker Michael Kaufman Best Oil Company...... 31 Minnesota Petroleum Service...... 32 Dr. John Beasley Russell Klingaman Bolduc Aviation Specialized Serv...... 11 & 40 Morey Airplane Company...... 60 Jim Bildilli Ed Leineweber Bolton & Menk, Inc...... 21 NewView Technologies, Inc...... 40 Dr. Bill Blank Timothy J. Martin Brackett Aircraft Co., Inc...... 22 & 40 Northland Aerospace...... 57 Richard Braunig Dan McDowell Cape Air...... 9 Northland Community & Technical College....57 Bryan Budds Harold Mester Cessna Aircraft Co...... 30, 40 & 61 OMNNI Associates...... 43 Hal Davis Woody Minar Chicago Piper...... 2 Pat O’Malley’s "Jet Room" Restaurant.. 38 & 59 Ryan Dembroski Rachel Obermoller Cirrus Aircraft...... 39 & 61 Phillips 66...... 12, 23, 30, 31 & 33 David Gonzales Matthew Olafsen Connell Aviation Group...... 15 Piper Aircraft, Inc...... 2 & 61 Harold Green Craig Petersen Cooper Engineering...... 16 Price County Airport (PBH)...... 59 James Hanson Yasmina Platt DAHER-SOCATA (TBM 850)...... 61 Racine Commercial Airport...... 40 Judy Harding Paul H. Poberezny Des Moines Flying Service, Inc...... 2 Rapco Fleet Support, Inc...... 40 Rex Hammarback Greg Reigel EAA...... 7 Reigel Law Firm, Ltd...... 53 Cassandra Isackson Pete Schoeninger Eagle Air...... 28 Rice Lake Regional Airport - Carl's Field...... 60 Shayne Johnson Fleming Brad Thornberg Eagle Fuel Cells...... 26 Rotax Aircraft Engines...... 8 Eagle River Union Airport...... 26 Schweiss Doors...... 35 ADVERTISING Field of Dreams Airport (04W)...... 28 Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH)...... 5 PHONE: (608) 835-7063 Fond du Lac Skyport...... 40 Skycom Avionics, Inc...... 64 E-MAIL: [email protected] Garmin...... 16, 61 & 64 S. St. Paul Municipal Airport (Fleming Field).....33 www.MidwestFlyer.com Gran-Aire, Inc...... 30, 40 & 60 Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport...... 60 Hangar Building Sites (South St. Paul, MN)...33 The Green Earth Deicer Company, Inc...... 43 ISSUE CLOSING DATES Hangar For Sale (Hartford, WI)...... 60 Thunderbird Aviation...... 9 & 64 Hangar For Sale (Cumberland, WI)...... 60 Tri-County Reg. Airport (Lone Rock, Wis.).12 & 59 DEADLINE ISSUE Hangar For Sale (Custer Co., SD)...... 60 Trimcraft Aviation...... 40 November 1 December - January Hangars For Rent (Janesville, WI)...... 60 Tuned Up Custom Rods...... 55 January 1 February - March Hangars For Rent (La Crosse, WI)...... 60 University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh...... 25 March 1 April - May Hangars For Rent (Lone Rock, WI)...... 59 Washington Island Airport (2P2)...... 14 May 1 June - July Hangars For Sale (Juneau, WI)...... 60 Wausau Downtown Airport...... 23 July 1 August - September Harbor View Pub & Eatery...... 59 Wausau Flying Service, Inc...... 23 September 1 October - November HarborCity Sportfishing...... 49 West Bend Air, Inc...... 40 HondaJet...... 2 Winona State University...... 24 COPYRIGHTS HXF Aviation Services, LLC...... 60 Wipaire, Inc...... 37 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE is published bimonthly Jet Air Group...... 16 & 40 Wisconsin Aviation, Inc...... 40, 60 & 61 by Flyer Publications, Inc. Copyright 2015 by Flyer Johnson Aviation Insurance...... 29 Wisconsin Aviation Trades Ass’n (WATA)...... 40 Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing in whole or La Crosse Regional Airport...... 60 Wisconsin DOT Bureau of Aeronautics...... 44 in part may be reproduced without the written permission Leading Edge Air Foils...... 8 of the publisher.
DISTRIBUTION Readership consists principally of aircraft owners fixed base operators, airport managers, and aircraft maintenance shops in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North If Your Business Is Not Listed Above Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio. Call 608-835-7063 SUBSCRIPTIONS $19 per year, or $29 for two years. Or Email [email protected] SUBSCRIBE ONLINE www.MidwestFlyer.com www.midwestflyer.com EMAIL-OR-MAIL ALL ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCE TO: [email protected] MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE DISCLAIMER: MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE is a publication of Flyer Publications, Inc. Midwest Flyer 6031 Lawry Court Magazine endeavors to accept only reliable advertisements, but shall not be responsible for the reliability of OREGON, WI 53575-2617 USA advertisements nor are the views expressed in advertisements and articles necessarily those of Midwest Flyer Magazine. The right to decline or discontinue any advertisement without explanation is reserved.
6 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE
Listing Writers EtC MASTERAugSept2015.indd 1 7/14/15 9:42 PM
Ask Pete and you can’t go over that with 260 conversion as it will in effect become a Ask Pete! or 300 hp. The empty weight of every 180 hp Archer and go faster and carry airplane is different because of different more. What do you think about that by Pete Schoeninger equipment installed, but in general a idea? 260 hp airplane will weigh about 35 A: The Archer has a gross weight of pounds less than the 300 hp airplane 2550 pounds. If you do the conversion, Q: I am and thus legally carry a little more you have a 180 hp Warrior, still with looking to buy weight. Cherokee Six aircraft are some the gross weight of 2325 pounds. Since my first airplane, of Piper’s best products (IMHO), but the engine baffling, exhaust system, probably a be very careful about fuel tank selection prop, etc. are all a little heavier, your Cherokee Six, as I (there are four of them), as you have to useful load will be less than it is today. have a big family switch tanks frequently. Do your homework, as there are some and not a lot of STCs pertaining to increasing the gross money. I asked Q: I am looking to buy my friend’s weight in Warriors , but make sure they my mechanic hangar, which is built on land he would apply to your serial number. about them and he Pete Schoeninger leases from the city. The lease ends in It would be more economical and a said they’re good 9 years, and language in the lease says better return on your dollar to sell your airplanes, but watch out for corrosion the ownership of the land reverts to the Warrior and buy an Archer, or better on the belly behind the exhaust stack. city at lease expiration. I talked to the still at overhaul, pay a small amount So what can an owner due about public works director and he said not of money to get your present 150 hp possible corrosion there? to worry as they usually just renew the engine converted to 160 hp. My mechanic also said the 260 hp lease. Would you worry? version has a bigger useful load than A: STOP! Don’t sign it…unless Q: I am looking to buy an older the 300 hp version. Wouldn’t a more you can get that statement in writing. two-seat airplane like a Cessna 150 or powerful engine on the same airframe Nine years from now, there probably 152 and put down $2500 and finance carry more, not less? will be a new public works director, the rest. I’m having a little trouble A: Lots of corrosive, bad stuff newly elected people at city hall, etc. finding a lender for this purchase. comes out of the exhaust pipe of all I strongly suggest you consult an Ideas? airplanes. It is important (but not much attorney before signing a long-term A: I would NOT suggest financing fun) to clean that stuff from the belly, lease and putting big bucks into a the purchase of an old, low-cost occasionally. If not done, the belly skins hangar. Email me for more stories and airplane. You’ll need some money can eventually rot out and have to be ideas. to maintain the airplane, not make replaced. payments. The airplane manufacturer and Q: My 1975 Piper Warrior has the FAA set the gross weight of an a gross weight of 2325 pounds. The Q: I own a 1981 Cessna 414A airplane when built. In the case of the engine is about due for overhaul. I Chancellor. I love it, but would like Cherokee Six, that is 3400 pounds, am considering going to a 180 hp something newer. There isn’t much out there that is a lot newer that will fit my needs that I have been able to find? A: The 414A series of airplanes are popular and do a good job of carrying up to 7 people in pressurized comfort. For good reason, they outsold competitors by a big margin. But production ended on them in the mid 1980s. If you’re looking to buy a much LEADING EDGE AIR FOILS LLC newer airplane with similar carrying The Central USA independent SERVICE CENTRE capability, you’ll probably be looking at n Large Inventory of Engines n A&P Technicians on Staff a Piper Meridian, TBM, or Pilatus. All n Maintenance n Overhaul n Parts and Repairs are turbo prop singles, with excellent reliability, pressurization, and good onlinecatalog.leadingedgeairfoils.com performance. Of course they cost a 1216 North Road heck of a lot more money than your Lyons, WI 53148 1.800.532.3462 MFM55 414A does, but who said lunch is free? 8 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Q: I am trying to get a job as a corporate pilot. My flying history is spotless, I have all ratings except ATP, a BS degree Paulisms by Paul Poberezny and I have gotten several interviews, but no job offer. I have (September 14, 1921 – August 22, 2013) no criminal history nor DUI, nor medical problems. A: When companies hire a corporate pilot, they are usually looking for an employee who not only can fly well, but projects a good corporate image. Here are tough questions, but someone has to ask you, and it may as well be me: Is your personal grooming impeccable? Are your clothes, fingernails, and teeth (and breath) and shoes spotlessly clean? Remember that the people on board a corporate airplane are likely to be middle aged or older conservative-looking people. If you do not look/act somewhat like they do, or if you have poor grooming, or poor English, or bad breath, you may not be hired even though you might be the best pilot in town. aul H. Poberezny founded the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1953 and spent a significant part of his life promoting aviation and fighting for the freedomP to fly. Paul was an aviator and an aircraft designer. EDITOR’S NOTE: Pete Schoeninger is an aviation consultant and aircraft appraiser who lives in Wisconsin. He is an But, more than that, he was a leader. experienced fixed base operator, aircraft salesman and airport With the permission of EAA and the Poberezny family, we manager. Email your questions about all things aviation are proud to present to you one of many “Paulisms” – actual to: [email protected]. For assistance with aircraft appraisals or fixed base operator and airport management quotations from Paul that embody his beliefs, his legacy, and consultation, call 262-533-3056. Any answers provided his impact on EAA and its members. We hope you enjoy them in this column are the opinion of the author and not this in remembrance of this great man, and take his comments to q publication, or its editor, publisher, owners and affiliates. heart. CAMARADERIE: “Airplanes bring us together, but friendship keeps us together.” q
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Commercial Aviation BS Commercial Pilot AAS Aviation Business AAS Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
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952.851.0066 academycollege.edu/pilot In partnership with AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 9 Aviation Law - On Your Side Settling With The FAA In Legal Enforcement Actions
by Gregory J. Reigel and Enforcement Program, to now not to initiate any litigation under the Attorney At Law require a more formal process for Equal Access to Justice Act or any other © 2015 All rights reserved. settling a legal enforcement case. Now statutory provision or rule to collect such settlements, including settlements legal fees or costs; n past articles, I reached at or after hearing, must be 8. If appropriate, a waiver of all have discussed documented with a written settlement potential causes of action against the FAA legal agreement that is executed by the FAA and its employees and agents, both enforcementI actions parties. The update states the settlement past and present, in their personal or in which the FAA agreement should include, as applicable official capacity; has suspended and appropriate, the following items: 9. A statement that the agreement or revoked a 1. The specific terms and accurately reflects the terms to which mechanic’s conditions of the settlement, including the parties have agreed and that it is a certificate or the obligations of each party; binding agreement; and the certificate Greg Reigel 2. The “material terms and phrases 10. Signatures by the FAA legal of an air carrier that are used in the settlement that are counsel and the individual person or repair station, or has assessed a not otherwise commonly understood or or entity charged with violating the civil penalty against a certificate are not defined in FAA regulations or regulations or the alleged violator's holder. In those situations, the FAA policies;” authorized representative. believed the regulatory violations 3. The sanction proposed in the For the most part, I think this is committed by the certificate holders Notice of Proposed Certificate Action/ a good update. By formalizing the justified legal enforcement action Civil Penalty or ordered if an Order of settlement process, the updated policy to suspend or revoke the offending Suspension, Revocation or Civil Penalty hopefully ensures that both sides party's certificate(s) or to assess a civil was actually issued and the sanction understand and agree with the terms penalty, rather than simply resolving agreed to in settlement. In the case of a upon which the case is being settled the violation through an administrative certificate action, the agreement should and minimizes the opportunity for later action. identify “the period of suspension or, confusion or disagreement. However, Fortunately, once initiated, many in the case of a revocation, the number the update does raise two concerns: legal enforcement cases settle. Some of months after which the person may First, item eight (8) states that the cases settle without a formal hearing apply for new certificate(s) and/or settlement agreement should contain before an administrative law judge rating(s).” For civil penalty actions, the a waiver of “all potential causes of and others may settle at some point agreement should state “the amount action” the alleged violator may have during or even after the hearing. The of the assessed civil penalty, whether against the FAA or its employees. These settlement is an agreement between the assessed civil penalty will be paid claims could be related to the legal the FAA and the certificate holder to in a lump sum or in installments, the enforcement action (e.g. the alleged resolve the case on terms that both sides date(s) when the payment(s) must be violator may believe that an aviation are willing to accept. made, and if the penalty is to be paid safety inspector acted improperly or In the past, when an alleged violator in installments, a statement that the contrary to law during the investigation settled with the FAA, the settlement person will sign a promissory note.” upon which the legal enforcement was typically documented either by 4. If applicable, a statement action was based). Or the claims could letter or e-mail in which both the that the sanction is waived under the arise from a situation unrelated to the FAA attorney and the alleged violator Aviation Safety Reporting Program; legal enforcement action. In either acknowledged the terms upon which 5. A statement that the person event, if the settlement agreement the parties were agreeing. Based or entity charged with violating the includes the waiver, then the legal upon that documentation, the FAA regulations is waiving the right to a enforcement action will be settled and attorney would then either issue an hearing before an administrative law the alleged violator will lose all other order incorporating those terms, or judge; claims. he or she would take any other agreed 6. A statement regarding the costs Interestingly, the update indicates upon action (e.g. outright dismissal, or to be paid by each party, whether each that this waiver language should be downgrading from legal enforcement pays their own or some other allocation; included “if applicable.” So, if the FAA action to administrative action). 7. If applicable and appropriate, attorney handling the legal enforcement However, the FAA recently updated a statement that the person charged action is aware of potential claims, its Order 3250.3B, FAA Compliance with violating the regulations agrees then presumably this language will be
10 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE included in a settlement agreement. of disclaimer in the final order issued the case. After all, a settlement is still For example, if an alleged violator tries by the FAA. For example, the issued a negotiated agreement between the to use the threat of other litigation as a order would include a statement that parties and the added language doesn’t bargaining chip in trying to resolve the “this matter has been settled by mutual in any way limit the other terms of such legal enforcement action, it would be agreement of the parties. The certificate an agreement. reasonable to expect that a settlement holder does not admit or stipulate to In the end, although this update of the legal enforcement action would any of the allegations, determination, appears to formalize the settlement include the waiver language. Thus, findings of fact or conclusions of law process, settling a legal enforcement although it may be tempting to use found herein.” action will still require the agreement such a threat as leverage to settle the Since the update requires the of the parties. As such, the FAA and legal enforcement action, if an alleged inclusion of some fairly specific an alleged violator will still need to violator wants to pursue claims against terms in the settlement agreement, negotiate the terms of that agreement. the FAA or individual FAA employees presumably such a disclaimer would Hopefully this more formal process separate from the legal enforcement need to be in the agreement if it were won't make it more difficult for either action, it may be best to either not going to also appear in the final order. side to settle a legal enforcement action. disclose that fact or, alternatively, reject Unfortunately, the update does not EDITOR’S NOTE: Greg Reigel is an inclusion of the waiver language in the provide for or address the inclusion of attorney with Reigel Law Firm, Ltd., a settlement agreement. this type of disclaimer. As a result, it is law firm located in Hopkins, Minnesota, The second concern with the update unclear whether the FAA will continue which represents clients in aviation and is that it does not appear to allow for, to allow this practice. However, it business law matters. or at least it does not address, inclusion would certainly be reasonable to request For assistance, call of a statement by the alleged violator that this language be included both (952) 238-1060 or denying liability. In the past, the in the settlement agreement as well as Twitter: @ReigelLaw parties could agree to include this type any final order that may be issued in (www.aerolegalservices.com). q
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 11 Aviation Law - On Your Side Drone Law: Why All FAA Certificate Holders Should Be Aware of the NTSB Pirker Decision
by Russell A. Klingaman
n November 18, 2014, in a unanimous decision, the National Transportation SafetyO Board (NTSB) concluded that an unmanned aerial system (UAS) is an “aircraft” within the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) jurisdiction. Huerta v. Pirker, NTSB Order No. EA- 5730 (Nov. 18, 2014). In other words, NTSB concluded that all UAS operators Russell Klingaman
are subject to the FAA regulations — The Phantom 3 Hammond Unmanned Aerial or Aircraft System or including 14 C.F.R. § 91.13, which prohibits operations of drone. David Gonzales, MnDOT Photographer aircraft in a careless or reckless manner. The Pirker decision represents a significant victory for the History of the Pirker Case - FAA in its efforts to regulate UAS operations. If you are (1) The ALJ Decision an FAA certificate holder, and (2) a UAS operator (or intend to operate a UAS in the future), you should be aware of the The case began in June 2013, when the FAA commenced Pirker decision and how the FAA may use it to suspend or a civil penalty action against Raphael Pirker, a professional revoke your certificate. photographer, for operating his UAS in a careless or reckless The Pirker decision firmly establishes the FAA’s legal manner in violation of 14 C.F.R. § 91.13. The FAA sought authority to regulate both manned and unmanned aircraft a penalty of $10,000. In its complaint, the FAA asserted a operations. The decision empowers the FAA to pursue long list of maneuvers made by Pirker’s UAS deemed unlawful enforcement actions — including civil penalties, suspensions including: and/or revocations — against any and all UAS operators for • [O]perated the . . . aircraft at extremely low altitudes over violations of FAA regulations. The Pirker decision puts all vehicles, buildings, people, streets, and structures. UAS operators — both private and commercial — on notice • [O]perated the . . . aircraft at altitudes of approximately 10 that their aircraft and their flights are clearly under the FAA’s feet to approximately 400 feet over the University of Virginia jurisdiction. [UVA] . . . . • [O]perated the aircraft directly towards an individual standing on a UVA sidewalk causing the individual to take immediate evasive maneuvers so as to avoid being struck by your aircraft. • [O]perated the aircraft through a UVA tunnel containing moving vehicles. • [O]perated the aircraft under a crane. LONE ROCK, WISCONSIN (KLNR) • [O]perated the aircraft below tree top level over a tree lined Tri-County Regional Airport – 40 Miles West of Madison walkway. Picturesque Airport - Breathtaking Views - Rural Setting • [O]perated the aircraft within approximately 15 feet of a Rwy 09/27 - 5000 x 75 ft – Rwy 18/36 - 1850 x 60 ft UVA statue. • [O]perated the aircraft within approximately 50 feet of ★ RESTAURANT ON FIELD ★ railway tracks. ★ Aircraft Maintenance & Award-Winning Restoration ★ • [O]perated the aircraft within approximately 50 feet of numerous individuals. ★ Hangars For Rent: $100 per month ★ • [O]perated the aircraft within approximately 20 feet of a WE OFFER QUALITY PHILLIPS AVIATION FUEL UVA active street containing numerous pedestrians and cars. 100LL & Jet A – Competitively Priced! Self-Served • [O]perated the aircraft within approximately 25 feet of 608-583-2600 numerous UVA buildings. • [O]perated the aircraft on at least three occasions under an 12 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE
Tri County Airport 2015.indd 1 5/6/15 4:11 PM elevated pedestrian walkway and above an active street. C.F.R. § 91.13(a). • [O]perated the aircraft directly towards a two story UVA The board concluded that the statutory and regulatory building below rooftop level and made an abrupt climb in definitions of “aircraft” are broad enough to include UAS order to avoid hitting the building. operations. See 14 U.S.C. § 40102(a)(6) and 14 C.F.R. § • [O]perated the aircraft within approximately 100 feet of an 1.1. In so doing, NTSB rejected Pirker’s argument that the active heliport at UVA. statutory/regulatory definitions of “aircraft” only apply to Pirker refused to pay the penalty, and requested a hearing manned aircraft. before an NTSB Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The case The board also determined that Congress’ original was assigned to Judge Patrick G. Geraghty, who dismissed the definition of “aircraft” demonstrated “prescience.” In fact, FAA’s complaint against Pirker. Judge Geraghty reasoned that NTSB lauded the U.S. Congress for defining “aircraft” in the FAA could not penalize Pirker because his UAS, being the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to include, “any airborne a “model aircraft” under FAA policy, is not considered an contrivance now known or hereafter invented, used, or “aircraft” governed by any federal statutes or FAA regulations. designed for navigation or for flight in the air.” Federal Judge Geraghty held that “model aircraft” — including Aviation Act of 1958, Pub.L. No. 85-726, § 101(5), 72 Stat. the UAS operated by Pirker — are not governed by FAA 731, 737 (1958). In the end, NTSB found no distinction regulations. between manned or unmanned aircraft in the statutory or regulatory definitions. The FAA’s Appeal To The Full NTSB Pirker argued that the FAA’s policy for “model aircraft” applied to his UAS, and protected him from prosecution for The FAA appealed Judge Geraghty’s decision to the full an alleged violation of § 91.13. The board reasoned that the NTSB. The appeal forced the board to decide whether a UAS FAA’s separate policy for “model aircraft,” did not provide is an “aircraft,” and whether UAS operations are subject to the Pirker grounds to escape liability. The board explained that FAA’s regulation prohibiting careless or reckless operations. 14 the FAA may exclude certain aircraft from its regulations, but
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 13 further recognized that the FAA had pay a fine totaling $1,100.00. NTSB’s conduct could lead to the suspension or not done so for UAS operations. Pirker decision firmly establishes that all revocation of his pilot certificate. NTSB further held that § 91.13(a) UAS operators — whether recreational We are assuming FAA’s authority — prohibiting careless or reckless or business — are governed by the covers indoor UAS operations, but it is operation of aircraft — applied to FAA regulations and must abide by § unclear at this time if the FAA will or Pirker’s operation of his UAS. NTSB 91.13(a). will not try to exercise its jurisdiction pointed out that neither the plain over such operations. However, I am language of § 91.13(a), nor any other What Does The Pirker Decision Mean convinced that the FAA would be very applicable definitions of “aircraft,” For FAA Certificate Holders? satisfied with the opportunity to start excluded unmanned aircraft from the an enforcement action against any FAA scope of 91.13. NTSB specifically As an active instrument-rated certificate holder for conduct similar to rejected Pirker’s argument that the private pilot, and an attorney who Pirker’s. FAA’s Advisory Circular dealing practices and teaches aviation law, I This discussion forces us to consider with “model aircraft” (AC-91-57) have been following UAS developments what type of UAS flying might qualify demonstrated the FAA’s intent to — both technological and legal — very as “careless or reckless.” So far, my exclude UAS from its regulatory closely. I know several people — some research has not resulted in a clear scheme. of them FAA certificate holders — who set of guidelines, but it should be The board also reaffirmed its prior are owners and operators of Unmanned recognized that many of the UAS rulings, which allow the FAA to use § Aerial Systems. In fact, I was at a legal commercial-use exceptions issued by 91.13(a) as an independent violation seminar earlier this year where an the FAA prohibit UAS operators within where no other FAA regulation attorney-speaker was talking about 500 feet of “nonparticipants.” See, i.e., explicitly prohibits or deals with the his UAS. The equipment was sitting FAA Exemption No. 11062 issued to alleged misconduct. on the conference table in a hotel Astraeus Aerial, Regulatory Docket No. Notably, NTSB refused to address ballroom occupied by approximately FAA-2014-0352, dated September 25, whether Pirker’s actual operation (i.e., 100 attendees. While listening to the 2014. (Other guidance might be found directing his UAS toward an individual presentation, I thought to myself: in the Safety Code published by the standing on a sidewalk, “causing the “What if the speaker decides to Academy of Model Aeronautics, but individual to take immediate evasive demonstrate his UAS by having it fly most UAS operations will probably fail maneuvers so as to avoid being struck”), around the ballroom?” I also wondered to qualify as “model aircraft” flights. was careless or reckless. The board whether or not the presenter was an See FAA Docket No. FAA-2014-0396, remanded the case to the ALJ for such FAA certificate holder, and whether any “Interpretation of the Special Rule for a determination. The board instructed of the attendees worked for the FAA. Model Aircraft.” See also FAA Notice, the ALJ to “convene a full factual If the speaker did fly his UAS N8900, 292, “Aviation-Related Videos hearing to determine whether [Pirker] around the ballroom in the presence or Other Electronic Media on the operated the aircraft in a careless or of an FAA attorney or inspector, such Internet.”) reckless manner. . . .” The case was conduct could be deemed a careless In conclusion, if you are an FAA subsequently settled out of court in operation of an aircraft in violation of certificate holder and the owner/ January 2015, when Pirker agreed to § 91.13. If the speaker was a pilot, such operator of an unmanned aerial system, you should be careful to make sure that you do not operate your UAS in a way that could be deemed by the FAA to be in violation of § 91.13, or any similar FAA regulation.
Visit Beautiful Washington Island (2P2) EDITOR’S NOTE: Russell A. Off The Tip of Door County, Wisconsin Klingaman is an active pilot, aircraft owner, and a partner in the law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in ★ Two Great Grass Runways: ★ Lions Courtesy Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a panel attorney for the AOPA legal services Van Available Both 2,250 ft. plus plan, and is currently serving as the over-runs on each end. president of the Lawyer-Pilots Bar www.weather-wi2P2.com Association. Additionally, Klingaman is a member of EAA, NBAA, WATA and For Airport Assistance Call www.WashingtonIsland-wi.gov many other aviation organizations. He also teaches aviation law at Marquette 920-847-2448 - 920-847-2147 www.VisitWashingtonIsland.com University and UW-Oshkosh. q 14 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Washington Island August2014_1_6.indd 1 7/19/14 9:54 AM High On Health High Flight & Tanning Booths
by Dr. Bill Blank, M.D. What type of damage am I and corporate aircraft windshields talking about? Skin cancer; basal cell are made of either polycarbonate or recent carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, multi-layer composite glass. Both do a report in a and malignant melanomas, along with good job of preventing the transmission dermatology wrinkling and actinic keratosis, are the of UVB, about 99% of which gets Ajournal noted a study result. blocked. They don’t do such a good job that revealed that Basal cells are not invasive. on UVA, up to 50% is, in some cases, an airline pilot is Squamous cells are invasive and can transmitted. Remember, UVA causes exposed to as much spread. Malignant melanomas are, most of the damage. Ultraviolet A (UVA) by far, the most serious. They are During the study, the authors radiation during a sometimes fatal in spite of treatment. measured the UVA and B radiation 56-minute flight at Dr. Bill Blank There are two types of UV radiation transmission in aircraft, such as the 30,000 feet as he we are concerned with, UVA and TBM 850, MD88, A-320, Boeing 727 would receive in a 20-minute session in UVB. UVA has a longer wavelength. It and 737 at the surface and at altitude in a tanning booth. That is interesting, but penetrates more deeply into the skin. It two different locations. They made the why would anyone care? For our airline causes cellular mutations, which lead to same measurements in a tanning booth, and corporate pilot readers, I thought the various cancers I have talked about. which produces UVA. This permitted I would look into it. What I have It is present throughout daylight hours. them to conclude that 20 minutes in discovered will be of use to all of us. UVB is stronger between 10 A.M. a tanning booth was equivalent to 56 UV radiation is harmful to the and 4 P.M. during summer months. It minutes at 30,000 feet. skin. The exposure is cumulative. The causes sunburn. What do we do with all of this? The longer we are exposed and the higher The study was done because airline most important thing is awareness. The the dosage, the more likely there will be pilots seem to be at a higher risk for longer the exposure, the more likely damage. developing malignant melanomas, there will be problems. Dermatologists I suspect that many of our readers about twice the risk of the general are quite concerned about the sun are of northern European origin and population. The atmosphere filters out culture and the proliferation of tanning have fair complexions. This type of a lot of the UV radiation by the time it booths. They are seeing an increase in skin is much more susceptible to UV gets to the earth’s surface. The exposure problems, especially of melanomas, damage. Darker skin is, to some extent, at 30,000 feet is about twice that at the even in young people. protective. By the time we are older, the surface. Now we get to the key question, damage has accumulated, and problems Aircraft windshields are designed to prevention. Should high altitude pilots start to appear. filter out some of the radiation. Airline wear sunscreen when they fly? I don’t High On Health know for sure. Will it help enough? I one, which is wide spectrum and tries to Senior AME since 1985. Blank is a don’t think anyone knows. protect against both. retired Ophthalmologist, but still gives Be aware that sunscreens are rated Don’t forget, almost all of us should some of the ophthalmology lectures at by SPF, Sun Protection Factor. An SPF be wearing sunscreen at fly-ins and air AME renewal seminars. Flying-wise, Blank holds an Airline Transport Pilot of 15 means that if you would get a shows. In fact, sun protection clothing Certificate and has 5300 hours. He is sunburn in 20 minutes without the and hats are also a good idea. a Certified Instrument Flight Instructor sunscreen, it would take 300 minutes See you at (CFII), and has given over 1200 hours of with it. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015! aerobatic instruction. In addition, Blank SPF only considers UVB, the was an airshow performer through the sunburn producer, and doesn’t rate UVA EDITOR’S NOTE: William A. Blank is 2014 season, and held a Statement a physician in La Crosse, Wisconsin, of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) since protection. and has been an Aviation Medical 1987. q If you use sunscreen, be sure to pick Examiner (AME) since 1978, and a
People In The News NATA Elects of the NATA Board of Directors. The association also named Marty New Board of Directors Hiller, owner and partner, Marathon WASHINGTON, DC – Members Jet Center, Marathon, Fla., board of the National Air Transportation vice-chair. Also elected to the board Association (NATA) elected its officers of directors was Scott Owens, Senior at its annual membership meeting, Vice President, McClellan Jet Services June, 22, 2015, in Washington, D.C. in McClellan, Calif., and Jeff Ross, Andy Priester, President and Chief President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Officer, Priester Aviation in Ross Aviation in Denver, Colo. Thomas Wheeling, Illinois, was elected chair L. Hendricks is NATA President and Andy Priester CEO (www.nata.aero). q
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Jet Air June2015.indd 1 7/4/15 8:25 AM www.aopa.org From Headquarters 800-872-2672 Come Fly With Us AOPA Headquarters.indd 1 7/19/14 10:37 AM by Mark R. Baker, President & CEO was launched just over a year ago, more perfect way to spend a Saturday. Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association than 3,600 people have participated, If you’d like to come spend a with 18 percent of those reporting that Saturday with me and your fellow he peak of they’re back to active flying status. aviation enthusiasts and AOPA summer And what would a fly-in be without members, join us August 22 at Anoka is here, food? A traditional pancake breakfast County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis, andT so is the started the day off right, and lunch Minnesota; September 26 at Colorado peak of the flying provided by a variety of gourmet food Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado season. There trucks ensured there was something for Springs, Colorado; or October 10 are always a lot every taste. A free ice cream social in the at Tullahoma Regional Airport in of great aviation afternoon rounded out the day’s treats. Tullahoma, Tennessee. Hope to see you events in the If you ask me, it was just about the there. q warmer months, Mark Baker and as a pilot, I like to get to as many as possible, from 2015 pancake breakfasts to major shows like August 22 Blaine, Minn. - AOPA Fly-In at Minneapolis Anoka County-Blaine AirVenture. But it should come as no Airport (KANE). surprise that AOPA’s Fly-Ins are some September 26 Colorado Springs, Colo. - AOPA Fly-In at Colorado Springs of my very favorite events. Municipal Airport (KCOS). If you haven’t yet joined us for October 10 tullahoma, Tenn. - AOPA Fly-In at Tullahoma Regional Airport an AOPA Fly-In, there’s still time to (KTHA). make it to one of our fun, friendly GA To read more about the AOPA Fly-In, go to www.midwestflyer.com/?p=8264. gatherings this year.
As I write, we’ve just wrapped up When Attending - RSVP By Going To www.aopa.org/Community-and-Events/AOPA-Fly-In/2015/About the Homecoming Fly-In here at our Frederick, Maryland, headquarters, and it was another big success. More than 3,300 people and 375 airplanes turned out for the fly-in. With a huge and varied aircraft Delivery Positions Now Available display, exciting fly-bys by the Breitling Jet Team, and an aerial demonstration For Early 2015 by aerobatic pilot and Red Bull Air With Special Rotec R2800 Race competitor, Mike Goulian, there Pricing On First 10 Orders! was plenty of action on and above Only FOr lOvers OF Old-FashiOned aircraFt Frederick Municipal Airport. Seminars on topics ranging from risk management to flying with an iPad and night flying helped hundreds of pilots brush up on forgotten skills and learn some new ones. More than 150 people registered to take part in a Rusty Pilots seminar—a free event designed to help lapsed pilots get back into the air. Pilots who complete the free event earn a logbook endorsement for the Contact Ed Leineweber, Aerolab USA ground portion of the flight review [email protected] • 608.604.6515 and take the first step to getting back www.aerolabusa.com into the cockpit. Since the program AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 17 Aerolab Sept2014.indd 1 9/16/14 8:03 PM Great Lakes reGionaL report Going To Bat For Airports Across The Region AOPA Great Lakes Heading.indd 1 7/19/14 10:26 AM News & Information You’ll Want To Know In AOPA strongly objected to the insertion of partisan politics Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, into an established and efficient airport grant program. North Dakota & South Dakota After countless visits to Columbus, AOPA members contacting their legislators, and a 2:30 am conference by Bryan Budds committee hearing, I am pleased to share with you that an Manager, AOPA Great Lakes Region additional $6 million will be made available to the State Airport Grant Program with none of the caveats mentioned rom many of AOPA’s above. publications, you have A similar debate is occurring in Lansing, Michigan where undoubtedly read quite a bit the Michigan Department of Transportation’s airport grant aboutF AOPA’s efforts to protect pilots program is dwindling. To address this issue, a number of from onerous government regulations friendly legislators have stepped forward to take a stand for and restrictions and that is certainly our the state’s GA airports. Proposals to increase the support core mission on your behalf. However, of Michigan’s Airport Fund include a $10 million annual AOPA also has an incredible staff that appropriation, dedicating a portion of existing aviation fuel digs deeply into federal, state, and Bryan Budds sales tax revenue to the fund, and overhauling the tax rates for local government attempts to restrict, aviation fuel, are all on the table. limit, or hinder the general aviation airports that pilots and Since Michigan is a full-time legislature, many bills are community members rely so heavily on. I wanted to share introduced early in the year and are not acted upon until the with you briefly just some of the things we have been working fall, and this is the case again this year. Rest assured, AOPA on over the year to protect our general aviation airports across will be hard at work in Lansing to make sure our general the region. aviation airports are appropriately funded. In Ohio, the state that is incredibly proud of its motto of I also want to make mention of a few of our airport issues “birthplace of aviation,” we have been working closely with that are not legislatively oriented. allied associations, airport managers, and state officials to In Michigan, AOPA has been working closely with a increase funds available for the State Airport Grant Program. group of airport users, both tenant and transient, that have For the last several years, the legislature has approved less than fallen victim to an airport authority that is determined to $1 million annually for airport construction programs and for restrict access to Mason Jewett Airport and set the stage for state shares of federal airport grants. AOPA strongly believes eventual closure. Fortunately, the airport community, AOPA, the industry can only remain strong if general aviation the Federal Aviation Administration and the Michigan airports are made a priority in the state. Department of Transportation does not take restrictions at a Over the course of the last six months, a number of federally funded public airport kindly. In columns to come, proposals have been circulated in Columbus, which would you will hear much more about this issue as it ripens. have addressed this issue. Changes to the tax structure, Returning again to Ohio, just this week AOPA has been dedication of existing revenue streams, and budget alerted to a rather troublesome development at Alexander appropriations were all on the table. As lawmakers pushed Salamon Airport near West Union, Ohio. Several recent the topic forward, the leading proposal was a $6 million reports indicate the local municipality has undertaken a budget appropriation, which would increase airport funds project to remodel the airport terminal as a housing unit for six-fold. However, as you can imagine, there was a catch – a low risk county prisoners. AOPA is actively pursuing several catch AOPA strongly opposed. The budget appropriation avenues to prevent such a misuse of an aeronautical asset. would have allowed a committee of legislators and aerospace I hope this quick glance into AOPA’s efforts to protect industry professionals to oversee the disbursement of airport airports in the region gives you a deeper understanding of grants traditionally administered by the Ohio Department of AOPA’s dedication to a stronger pilot community, a robust Transportation. airport network, and to you as a member. While this committee is an important tool in growing If you have any questions on these issues or issues in your the awareness of Ohio’s aerospace and aviation communities, area, please let me know! [email protected] q
Contact Bryan Budds @ [email protected] 18 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Central regional report
AOPA Central Heading.indd 1 Good Wins For General Aviation 7/19/14 10:26 AM
News & Information also thanked Gov. Ricketts for declaring sponsors to arbitrarily decide to close You’ll Want To Know In May 2015 as “General Aviation their airports if the cost of operating Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska & Iowa Appreciation Month.” them “far exceeds the benefits.” It is Missouri’s House Bill 517, creating not fair or responsible for taxpayer- by Yasmina Platt a fly-away exemption among other generated airport funding (aviation Manager, AOPA Central Southwest Region things, passed the legislature and is in specific or not) to be lost because an ll four Governor Nixon’s hands. The new law airport decides to close and does not of the would exempt out-of-state residents want to pay the obligated improvement legislatures from paying the state’s sales tax when grants back. Instead, that needed inA the Central purchasing an aircraft in the state, thus funding can be reinvested in other Region have keeping more aircraft sales, aircraft airports with significant grant needs. adjourned for the maintenance, and aircraft upgrade AOPA (along with the Iowa Public year (phew!), and work in the state. Missouri’s Governor, Airports Association) respectfully urged we are pleased with and the mayors of Jefferson City and the legislature to remove that hurtful the pro-general Yasmina Platt Columbia, also recognized GA as an language and it was, in fact, successfully aviation legislation important economic generator earlier in removed. passed. At the time of this writing, the year. In the midst of all of this (and, oh some of the legislation was still pending After five weeks of “overtime,” the yes, work in five other states), I also had each governor’s final signature, but we Iowa Legislature finally adjourned on an opportunity to get together with the do not expect any surprises. We are June 5th. This year’s session will be entire AOPA Regional Manager Team working with their offices to ensure remembered for its large number of to discuss this year’s efforts and start understanding and approval. important airport and GA-related issues preparing for next year; attended the In Nebraska, Governor Ricketts and initiatives. I had mentioned the Kansas Association of Airports (KAA) signed two laws of interest to GA pilots need to exempt flight training providers conference in Wichita, June 18-19; and aircraft owners: 1) LB 469 modifies from provisions of an anti-fraud and participated at the 2015 Nebraska the existing Meteorological Evaluation law that requires most educational State Fly-in in Hebron by hosting an Tower (MET) legislation to mirror the entities (to include flight schools and AOPA booth and speaking to a group marking recommendations published independent CFIs) to obtain a $50,000 of pilots along with Nebraska’s own by the Federal Aviation Administration bond and submit documentation to the Ronnie Mitchell and Congressman (FAA), and includes an enforcement Iowa College Student Aid Commission. Sam Graves (R-MO). In addition, I provision to ensure that wind power I had also mentioned the need to also traveled to Missouri to represent companies comply with the law, and protect (rather than abolish) the Iowa AOPA at the Cameron airshow, speak 2) LB 259, the Personal Property Tax Airport Zoning Act. The first one is at the 2015 National Piper Short Wing Relief Act, reduces the tangible personal awaiting Gov. Branstad’s signature and Conference in Branson on June 30th, property tax burden on virtually any the second was already approved by him and accompany our president, Mark activity that produces income. This on June 22nd. Baker, at the 12th Annual Wing Nuts includes aircraft used for business The one, very concerning Iowa bill, Flying Circus Airshow and Fly-in in by creating a $10,000 exemption on I had not mentioned because it snuck Tarkio. the assessed value of business aircraft up on us at the 11th hour, was an subject to property taxation based on initiative to change the existing process I look forward to hearing from you! their net book value. Aircraft not used for considering the closure of Iowa @AOPACentralSW, to generate income and agricultural airports, removing the existing state [email protected] q aircraft were already fully exempt. We grant obligations and allowing airport
Stay up-to-date with Yasmina www.twitter.com/@AOPACentralSW AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 19 Pilot Proficiency A Perspective On Checklists
by Harold Green For example, the engine start sequence of the advanced equipment. Each item may be presented as a do list item, but needs to be checked off before the pilot ver the usually the pilot does the actions in can move to the next item. years our sequence after reading the checklist and When using any checklist in single- safety then confirming by a second reference pilot operations, the pilot must be recordO in to the checklist. It is not unusual to aware of some key elements. Unlike the general aviation complete all steps in a do list prior to airlines and other two-pilot operations, has improved actually starting it, and then reviewing you are the only pilot. Where those dramatically. I the actions leading up to that point as if other folks have one person reading submit that one using a flow list. a checklist and the second pilot reason for this is The real point here is that whichever responding with the correct status the development Harold Green type of checklist is used – flow or do response, you have nobody but yourself, and use of written – attention to what is going on and a and – if you are lucky – an able helper checklists. There are checklists for pre- double check are good things. in the right seat. Thus, it is very easy to flight, starting engines, pre-taxi, taxi, skip an item on a checklist. Even when pre-takeoff, landing, etc., etc. putting your finger on the last Then there are the emergency item read, it is very easy to skip checklists, including engine one line. If that line happens to failure, cabin fire, and engine fire. relate to a critical item, this can We have laminated copies in our cause issues. aircraft and they are kept handy It is amazing how many times to reach when needed. Checklists I have seen a pilot reach for a have been a tremendous boon switch or control lever and then to aviation safety. However, like not set it in accordance with all good things, checklists can be the checklist. None of us are abused, nor are they perfect. immune from this. Knowing There are two principal this, I double-check everything. methods of checklist use: The This just makes the error rate “flow list” and the “do list.” less, but is no gaurantee of error A flow list is a checklist, elimination. which in its completion, the pilot A second issue with checklists acts from memory and generally relates to the fact that passengers, flows from one item to the next particularly those not used to in a logical path, often simply flying, are filled with questions. because of proximity in the They have the disturbing habit cockpit. of asking a question at critical The instrument panel offers a moments of the flight (i.e. logical path to scan or flow from takeoff and landing), since that one instrument to the other, is when an action attracts their including both flight and engine attention. The concept of a sterile gauges. The pilot then uses the cockpit is very hard to enforce written checklist to confirm and verify When dealing with a complex under these conditions. The result is a his or her actions. This aids focus and airplane with extensive systems, very high probability that a critical item provides a double check on actions. checklists are an absolute necessity! will be missed unless a checklist is used. A do list is one in which the pilot Aircraft using advanced cockpit If your passenger happens to be of does each item in sequence, step by equipment and a factory installed an age to read, consider asking for their step, as listed on the written checklist, multi-function display (MFD) generally help and have them read the checklist checking off each item as completed. contain built-in checklists for both and compare your response with that Do lists must be completed in normal and emergency operation of the item on the checklist. functional sequence, such as priming aircraft and its systems. In these aircraft, This brings to mind an incident a and starting the engines(s), and the the use of checklists is mandatory, if for few years ago involving a student on a pilot can often combine these tasks. no other reason than for the operation private pilot checkride and an examiner. 20 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE The student, not a shy person, was told Radios: Nav/Com/Transponder. Situation To Cause Flight To Be by the examiner that it was the student’s S: Safety: Doors & Windows Closed & Cancelled: Defined & Reviewed. responsibility to maintain cockpit Latched, Seat Belts Buckled, Passengers Flight Plan: Filed discipline and that he should just Briefed. Approach Airplane treat him, the examiner, as his uncle. No Visible Damage During pre-takeoff procedures, with the Before Landing: GUMPS Airplane sits parallel with parking student using the appropriate checklist, G: Gas: On Both or Fullest Tank, Boost surface. the examiner started asking questions Pump, if required. Control Lock: Removed. and chattering on. After awhile, the U: Undercarriage: Down & Locked. student looked over and said in a loud M: Mixture: Full Rich or As Per Pilot’s There could be an additional voice: "Uncle Norm, just shut the h--- Operating Handbook. checklist before leaving the aircraft after up.” The instructor was proud of his P: Prop: In, if variable pitch. a flight: student’s response and was pleased the S: Switches: Including Lights. examiner passed the student with much When getting checked out in a new Before Leaving Aircraft merriment by all. type of airplane, it is almost mandatory Radio & Other Electrical: Off One of the more prevalent issues that checklists be used as “do lists,” Mixture, Master & Magnetos: Off with checklists, in my opinion, is when particularly if we haven’t had time Rotating Beacon: Left On they are used as a substitute for being a to study the list in advance. It might Control Lock: Installed competent/knowledgeable pilot. also be a good idea to use a checklist Paperwork: Completed For example, when a pilot is walking up in studying the airplane before a Doors & Windows: Locked to the aircraft, it should be inspected to checkride. Aircraft: Secured. see if it is level on the ramp. An aircraft A quick search of the Internet Flight Plan: Closed tilting one way or another might will generally result in a source for suggest a bent landing gear strut. At checklists. Aircraft type clubs can be In summary, checklists have become the minimum, the oil dipstick might a great source for such information. invaluable and indispensable to safe give an inaccurate reading. The point There are times when a checklist is not flying. We need them, and should use being, a conscientious pilot can add available. them and remain watchful in their any number of items to an unwritten The first checklist, which might use. Checklists are obviously not the checklist. not exist, is the “Arrival-At-The- total answer, but they are significant in Flight emergencies are a time Airport Checklist.” That one might run maintaining our flight safety. when checklist items must be accessed something like this: from memory. Once the emergency is EDITOR’S NOTE: Harold Green is a manageable, if time permits, we can Airport Arrival Checklist Certificated Instrument Flight Instructor use the emergency checklist to ensure Car: Parked & Locked. (CFII) at Morey Airplane Company in Middleton, Wisconsin (C29). Readers that everything has been completed. We Ego & Worries: Left behind and out of can email questions and comments to: need to practice and drill emergency mind. [email protected] or call 608-836- procedures in our minds as part of our Mental Focus: On upcoming flight. 1711 (www.MoreyAirplane.com). q regular proficiency training. Then, too, there are the tried and true old standbys, CIGARS and GUMPS checklists, which we all know by heart. The following list gives examples. Adjust for your own airplane. In this form they represent more a mantra than a checklist. However, the function is the same.
Before Takeoff: CIGARS C: Controls & Cowl Flaps I: Instruments: Flight & Engine G: Gas: Selector Valve, Quantity, Set Fuel Flow Monitor, if installed. A: Attitude: Flaps, Trim, Auto Pilot Off. R: Run-up: Carb Heat, Mag Check, Cycle Prop, if variable pitch. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 21 Instrument Flight Why ADS-B Needs To Be Revisited By FAA
by Michael J. “Mick” Kaufman expected to comply with FAA’s 2020 taking GPS coordinates received from mandate. satellites and retransmitting these t has been As aircraft owners, we need to position reports and supporting data more than decide what the most cost-effective on amateur radio frequencies. This five years system is best for us, and while we hold marked the birth of the “Automatic sinceI we first out for a less expensive option than is Position Reporting System” (APRS) started hearing presently available and approved by some 21 years ago. The APRS concept about Automatic the FAA, the clock is ticking! A clock has been used in all of the tracking Dependent destined to become FAA’s greatest fiasco devices in use today and the forerunner Surveillance since the agency’s founding in 1958. of the CAPSTONE PROJECT – Broadcast Our hope is the FAA will consider some ADS-B, ON-STAR and many others. Michael Kaufman (ADS–B) and reasonable/less expensive means of So why has such a simple equipment I published my compliance, which I will describe here. costing $100.00 or less to purchase for first article on the topic for Midwest At the Wisconsin Aviation cars, trucks, boats and portables, end Flyer Magazine. Since then I have had Conference in La Crosse in May, up costing as much as $7,000.00 or the opportunity to look at many of the FAA and state aeronautics officials more to implement in aviation? The new innovations and products that have addressed the ADS-B 2020 mandate, only answer lies in the hands of the entered the market and write numerous which is not going as well as the FAA articles on the subject, and ADS-B had hoped. A recent FAA survey on remains a concern of aircraft owners ADS-B, conducted by Emery Riddle University, intended to sample our thoughts, revealed that if everyone who is not yet equipped decided to schedule an installation today, it would not be physically possible given the number of aircraft and the limited number of avionics facilities and technicians. (This brings up another topic: what is the FAA doing to attract talented people to our industry? Answer: Not much! Promoting the industry is no longer an FAA mandate, but implementing unrealistic policy is.) So what is the FAA going to do to speed things up? It is necessary for some history lessons to better understand how this whole program came into being, but first, a bit of information about myself FIG 1 for those who are new to my column. I have been a bit of an electronics bureaucrats running the FAA – not geek all of my life, owned and operated the avionics shops or the equipment a public safety radio sales and repair manufacturers. service for a number of years, and I For two decades, I have been using am an avid amateur radio operator, as APRS in my truck, car, boat, airplane, well as an airline transport pilot, flight and even in a bicycle handheld, as instructor, lecturer and author. have many other pilots/amateur radio Shortly after the implementation operators. I am currently using a of the GPS navigation system, an handheld, self-contained APRS tracking amateur radio operator (Bob Bruninga, device (FIG 1) in my airplane costing WB4APR) conceived the concept of $100.00 on amateur radio frequencies 22 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE SPOT LANDING CONTEST IN HONOR OF VETERANS WAUSAU DOWNTOWN AIRPORT WAUSAU, WISCONSIN (KAUW) Participate Any Day, August 1-9, 2015 Weekends 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Weekdays 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. All arrivals for “Hamburger Night,” Thursday, August 5th, will automatically be entered!
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Wausau Aug 2015.indd 1 7/10/15 12:22 PM Instrument Flight and under amateur radio rules, as are many other pilots flying With the idea that the FAA wanted to get all U.S. pilots worldwide. This APRS movement has been going on in and aircraft owners on board with this new technology, aircraft for two decades and seems to have started with a Van’s the agency decided to offer free in-flight weather to those Aircraft homebuilt group. The Civil Air Patrol was also an equipping their aircraft with ADS-B, and free traffic as early adapter of APRS in their search and rescue missions. well. When we hear the word “free” – especially from the Today, aircraft APRS stations can be seen live on the web government, we take note. This backfired as many pilots by searching http://www.mail2600.com/cgi-bin/everyone. decided to purchase a Stratus WX receiver, receive the free cgi for aircraft only or http://aprs.fi/moving/ for ships, autos, weather, and go no farther. This receiver could be purchased trucks and other APRS stations. Using my tablet connected at a reasonable price from Sporty’s Pilot Shop. The free to my APRS tracker via Bluetooth, I can display all other weather, in my opinion, is lacking a lot compared with APRS stations on a map or filter for any specific type of satellite XM, which has a pricey subscription cost, but worth station I want to see. I can receive weather broadcasts from it to pilots who fly in weather a lot. The other carrot the other amateur radio weather stations and bulletins from FAA offered was free traffic, but set up the system so that it the National Weather Service. How about sending a short is not available unless you have ADS-B out. When pilots had message (SMS) to another amateur radio operator on the a chance to see how this all worked, most of them decided ground or in his/her aircraft half way around the world by it was not worth an additional 7 AMUs (Aviation Monetary typing it on my tablet, and all for $100.00. Units/ $7K) for traffic information. Remember, the only So why did the FAA want ADS-B and how did the sure way of collision avoidance is to look outside the cockpit CAPSTONE PROJECT come into existence? windows. The cost of implementing and maintaining radar sites for I would like to present some basic theory to help everyone air traffic control is a number with so many zeros I could not understand the reasoning behind the two-frequency system even give a wild guess. ADS-B costs a fraction of what radar and how all of this magic works. costs, but has far greater accuracy and future potential. Let us present an example using water and frequency to For example, ADS-B enables air traffic controllers to see show this point. Let’s say you have a 100-gallon tank of water, aircraft taxiing on the ground during foggy conditions with and you want to empty it with gravity feed and you have a an accuracy of 10 feet. Also with ADS-B, ATC will be able to block of data, say 100K that needs to be moved. The bigger send us our IFR clearance digitally, allowing us to transfer the the hose, the less time it takes to move the water, and the clearance to our navigator with no errors, once we accept it. larger the radio frequency allocation, the less time it takes to The CAPSTONE PROJECT began in Alaska almost two move the data. With all of the weather and traffic data that decades ago trying to find a solution to cover this vast state needed to be moved, the hose/frequency range was not big with some sort of traffic and weather information. The project enough to move all of that data. If the available frequency was deemed a success, and FAA’s promise to provide Alaska allocation at 1090 Mhz had been available, this whole ADS-B pilots equipment free of charge to use this system, never situation would have been a lot simpler. The way the system materialized. is conceived to work at this time is to use the ADS-B ground The rest of the world, except the U.S., developed its own station and collect traffic data from both frequencies, combine version of ADS-B based entirely on a system called 1090 it, and resend it on both frequencies. Extended Squitter Technology (1090 ES).* The U.S. needed Let’s concentrate on traffic only and forget the weather to to be in sync with the rest of the world, so we decided to offer simplify our understanding. a two-frequency system, using the international format and When the FAA compliance plan told pilots that to be a derivative of the CAPSTONE PROJECT called Universal ADS-B “out” compliant, we had a choice of two options: 1) Access Transceiver (UAT). Update or replace our 1090 Mode C transponder to 1090ES (Extended Squitter) equipment (required if you fly above 18,000 feet MSL or internationally), or 2) Install a UAT ADS-B transceiver, which operates on 978 Mhz – the same frequency that provides ADS-B weather and traffic. One note on option #2 is that you must keep your old Mode C transponder and keep it on to make your position known to aircraft using Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) advisory equipment used by the airlines and some GA aircraft. Having both UAT and the mode C transponder operating at the same time, creates a problem with all of the portable UATs on the market today by creating a ghost image on the traffic display. I hope this can be solved as I think this could open the market for low-cost portable ADS-B transceivers. To better understand the entire concept of ADS-B and 24 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE how it works, we need to explain some of the problems that the weather data to aircraft within receiving range. I was needed to be overcome. told that each ground station broadcasts the weather for For us to understand radio, we need to note that if airports within about 150 miles of the transmitter, thus as we two radios are transmitting at the same time on the same travel, we are constantly picking up the weather ahead of us frequency, the receiving station gets a corrupted, unusable as the ground stations within range of our aircraft continue signal. The one exception to this rule is called “simulcasting,” to change. A segment of time is given to aircraft, as well which does not apply or used in ADS-B. using position and altitude to calculate the precise time of There is a system called “smart beaconing,” which is transmission. As I understand. there is no error correction used in both APRS and ADS-B. In amateur radio (APRS), on ADS-B should something not work properly and there is a beacon is sent if there is a change in speed, direction or corrupt data. altitude or a specific time. If by chance two conflicting Should I equip now for ADS-B out, wait, or forget it beacons are sent at the same time, an error correction protocol entirely? requests a resend of the information. Smart beaconing in If we are fortunate to have a Garmin 330 transponder or ADS-B is a bit more complicated as we are not only handling an upgradable unit, we should add the ADS-B equipment an aircraft’s position, but a large amount of weather data as now, as costs have been in the two AMU average price range. well. If, however, we have any of the non-upgradable transponders, I would like to add one more radio theory to the ADS-B I would wait or forget it entirely. Remember, the 2020 ADS-B concept – the characteristic of the frequency used is “line of out mandate only applies to aircraft flying within Class A, B site.” or C airspace or above 10,000 feet MSL. Many pilots never Setting the limit of 18,000 feet MSL to UAT subscribers, fly in those airspaces by habit or choice. a frequency can be reused several hundred miles away. Using Remember, once you choose ADS-B out, your anonymity the atomic clock as a standard of time, the transmit time used in the airspace system is gone forever, as big brother will by ground stations and aircraft can be assigned so no two always know who you are. If you currently have a Mode S stations send data at the same time. transponder, don’t worry, as they already know. Each ground station is given a precise time to broadcast AOPA and many pilot groups are working on alternate
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 25 UW Oshkosh Half Page Aug2014.indd 1 7/16/14 8:03 PM Instrument Flight solutions to the ridiculous high price for many owners aircraft safer through the skies. to equip their aircraft with ADS-B out to meet the 2020 Until the next issue, fly safe and stay vigilant for that deadline. traffic that can only be seen out the window. Many years ago, the FAA implemented a similar * If you’ve ever flown with a Mode S transponder, you’ve requirement for Mode C (altitude reporting on transponders), already done your fair share of “squittering.” By definition, the and encoding altimeters were in the $900 to $1,200 range. As word “squitter” refers to a periodic burst or broadcast of aircraft- the deadline for compliance was approaching, blind encoders tracking data that is transmitted periodically by a Mode S hit the market for around $200.00, at which time I bought transponder without interrogation from controller’s radar. Mode S in. Many manufacturers and avionics shops took a big hit (which stands for mode “select”) technology was first developed in when this happened, as the price of the encoding altimeters the mid-1970s as a way of using existing ground-based secondary dropped. surveillance radar (or SSR) to track onboard transponders more I can only speculate the FAA relaxing requirements for precisely and more efficiently — while reducing the number of ADS-B out and will allow low-cost portable transceivers. interrogations required to identify and follow aircraft on the The SkyGuard TWX (http://ADS-B.skyguardtwx.com/ controller’s radar scope. uat-transceivers/) that I tested and evaluated in the June/July To greatly oversimplify the terminology, a “squawk” is a 2013 issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine (http://midwestflyer. response a transponder makes to an ATC interrogation, while com/?p=6177) would be my choice if it would meet the 2020 a “squit” is a transmission format that routinely sends aircraft compliance mandate. It provided weather, traffic and ADS-B ID and positional information without being interrogated. By out as a portable unit, and did a good job once the antennas reducing the need for back-and-forth interrogation/response were properly positioned. over the air, the Mode S squitter works to minimize transmitted I give much credit to the Aircraft Owners & Pilots “chatter” in the system – and, thus, increase its target-handling Association (AOPA) as our voice in making our thoughts as capacity. GARMIN pilots known to the FAA (see Mark Baker’s column in the EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael J. “Mick” Kaufman is a Certified June/July 2015 issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine). Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) and the program manager There are a few downsides to the ADS-B program beside of flight operations with the “Bonanza/Baron Pilot Training” organization. Kaufman conducts pilot clinics and specialized the high cost of compliance as the program stands as per instruction throughout the U.S. in a variety of aircraft, which regulation. Keep in mind as previously noted that once you are equipped with a variety of avionics, although he is based chose ADS-B out, you would loose your anonymity when in Lone Rock (KLNR) and Eagle River (KEGV), Wisconsin. you fly. Also, an important, but apparently overlooked Kaufman was named “FAA’s Safety Team Representative of the Year for Wisconsin” in 2008. Email questions to consideration on behalf of FAA planning personnel, is q the venerability of putting so much dependence on the [email protected] or call 817-988-0174. GPS satellite system with no viable back-up system. Many scientists and engineers agree that a solar flare (SOLAR MAX) Aircraft equivalent to the one recorded in 1958 could render the entire GPS satellite network out of business. Pilots, on the other hand, may become so complacent that they fail to make visual scans for traffic out of the window. We will revisit the topic of ADS-B if some major change occurs, and as we get closer to the compliance date. There is no doubt this system can work and lives will be saved by avoiding collisions and having more usable data to move our Priester Adds Six Jets To Fleet
WHEELING, ILL. – With the addition of six new aircraft, Priester Aviation’s fleet now totals 48 aircraft. The new jets extend Priester Aviation's broad geographic reach as it continues the strategic growth of its managed fleet. The new charter aircraft include an 8-passenger Learjet 45, based in Chicago; 8-passenger Learjet 45XR, based in Chicago; 8-passenger Citation Excel, based in Chattanooga; and an 8-passenger Hawker 4000, based in Kansas City. New Part 91 managed aircraft include a Gulfstream G650, based in New York; and a Learjet 60, based in South Florida. Priester Aviation is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2015 (www.priesterav.com). q 26 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE At Our Airports Spot Landing Contest To Be Held At Milwaukee-Timmerman Airport by Harold Mester
MILWAUKEE, WIS. – a Skyhawk, and…ouch! During training flights, Landed way too short, right instructors encourage pilots on the numbers. Glad that to pick a spot on the runway wasn’t a real cliff! to use as an aiming point. In order to hold this event This spot is generally at least at a towered airport like a few hundred feet down the Timmerman, the contest runway. When this task is is conducted on a closed performed successfully, the runway, and ATC does not aircraft will stall just above clear pilots to land. Instead, the runway and settle on the the instruction to the pilot pavement exactly where the Milwaukee Timmerman Spot Landing Contest is, “Runway 22R, land at pilot had intended. Timothy J. Martin Photo your own risk.” As with many objectives Here comes the next pilot in life, achieving this is part on 22R. Beautiful! Greased skill and part luck. There are many variables that can affect the landing no more than 10 feet beyond the line! In the end, a landing. Conditions don’t always allow the plane to land judges gave this landing a score of 14 feet, a small adjustment exactly where we had planned. Gusty winds, a shift in wind for style. It wasn’t a perfectly smooth landing, but this pilot direction, or excess airspeed can all lead pilots to land before ended up being the best of the pack! or after the spots they choose on approach. Continued On Page 31 A great way to brush up on this skill is to participate in a spot landing contest. Although these contests are not as common as they were years ago, they can still be found. Pilots of all experience levels can participate. Two years ago, Timmerman Airport in Milwaukee started hosting an annual contest, and I have had the pleasure of serving as one of the judges. Get Cleared For Takeoff... A white line is temporarily applied across the width of the runway pavement, about 200 feet from the approach end. Call Aero Insurance Today! Cones are placed every 10 feet along the edges of the runway to help judges determine the actual landing distance from the line. The objective is to safely land as close to – but not short Put Our Experience To Work For You of – the target line. Think of the runway as being built perpendicular to a steep cliff. Landing short of the target line is certain failure. Here comes the first contestant, on final approach in a Bonanza. Throughout the contest, there are several contestants in the traffic pattern, as each pilot gets three tries. Too long! This first landing was at least 100 feet past the line. (In case you’re wondering, tail numbers are being withheld from this article to avoid any embarrassment among the participants.) Other than landing as close to the line as possible, there are very few rules. Go-arounds are encouraged if a safe landing cannot be assured, and it doesn’t count as a landing “All of Your Personal & Business Needs – Covered!” attempt for scoring. Judges can tell if a pilot tries to cheat by going around. It has to be a smooth, normal landing – no slamming the 800-210-8242 aircraft down or porpoising. If the aircraft bounces, the “final landing” or contact with the runway is the one that counts. www.aero-ins.com The next contestant is just about to turn final. He’s flying AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 27
Aero Insurance May2015A BLUE.indd 1 5/14/15 1:57 PM Wisconsin Aviation Conference 60th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference Addressed Pressing Issues & Recognized Accomplishments
LA CROSSE, WIS. – The Wisconsin Aviation Conference celebrated its 60th anniversary at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wis., May 11-13, 2015, along the beautiful Mississippi River. The event attracted airport Krys Brown (left) and Jeff Baum (right) of Wisconsin Aviation, Inc., managers, airport congratulated Don Winkler (center) of Madison, Wisconsin, on receiving commission the “Lifetime Service Award” at the Wisconsin Aviation Conference. members, aviation business current activities in airport development, engineering, owners and Don Winkler and his wife, Carol. technical services, and finance. FAA Great Lakes Regional operators, and Administrator Barry Cooper discussed budget issues, progress corporate flight and challenges of the NextGen air traffic control system, and department managers and professional pilots. The Wisconsin unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which seemed to get the Airport Management Association, Wisconsin Aviation Trades most questions Association, Wisconsin Business Aviation Association, and from attendees. vendors and consultants, sponsored the event. A breakout Topics started out with updates from the Federal Aviation session on Administration (FAA) and Wisconsin DOT Bureau of the “non- Aeronautics. aeronautical Wisconsin Aeronautics Director David Greene and use of hangars” staff members Mark Arnold, Scott Brummond and Keith concerned many Gerard reviewed accomplishments over the past year and who strongly object to FAA’s limitations. Another breakout session that attracted much smaller numbers, was on the strategic redesign of Volk Field’s special activity airspace. Volk Field officials say they Steve Opatik (left), project manager at Becher- want to make Hoppe, Wausau, Wisconsin, was named the airspace “Engineer of the Year.” Tony Yaron (right) of Central Wisconsin Airport, presented Opatik with more efficient to the award. 28 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE the benefit of all airspace stakeholders. Other topics included maintaining airports of every size; executive over-flight issues and resources for airport operators and commissioners; decline and retention of airline service; pending changes to airmen medical requirements; a proposal to establish and enforce mechanic liens; limited and unlimited opportunities for airport revenues by small airports; managing, storing and pricing of aviation fuel, considered to be the lifeblood of airports and aviation businesses; and the pilot shortage and how this is affecting the entire aviation community. The significant accomplishments and contributions by aviation professionals over the past year and over a lifetime John McKinney and Chris Misiak of Best Oil Company, spoke on were celebrated. the availability, storage and pricing of aviation fuel as the lifeblood of airports. Best Oil Company is a distributor for Phillips 66 and is located Among those persons recognized were Don Winkler of at Cloquet-Carlton County Airport, Cloquet, Minnesota. Best Oil Madison, Wisconsin, who received the “Lifetime Service Company serves the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, and Iowa (www.bestoilcompany.com). Award.” Winkler was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, an air traffic controller, and most recently, the media relations representative and working toward a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation photojournalist Management. at Wisconsin The 2016 Wisconsin Aviation Conference will be held in Aviation, Inc. in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, May 2-4 (www.wiama.org). q Madison. Steve Opatik, project manager at Becher- Hoppe, Wausau, Wisconsin, was named “Engineer of the Year.” Ben DeLeon, Deputy Associate Administrator of Airports with the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, D.C., was named “Person of the the Year.” John Reed, formerly of Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wis., John Reed, who received the “Distinguished Service Award.” recently left Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wis. to accept the director’s position at Rochester International Airport, Rochester, Minn., received the “Distinguished Service Award.” Chris Hubbuch of the La Crosse Tribune, La Crosse, Wis., received the “Blue Light Award For Excellence In Journalism.” The Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA) awarded two scholarships to students currently enrolled in an aviation degree field at a Wisconsin college or university, or who are residents of Wisconsin attending a college or university outside the state. Gretchen Eichstadt of Hales Corners, Wis., and Michael Peer of Oshkosh, Wis., were this year’s recipients. Eichstadt is in her third year at Minnesota State University - Mankato. Peer is taking online courses through the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 29 Illinois Aviation Conference
Illinois DOT Names Airports of the Year At Illinois Aviation Conference
CHICAGO, ILL. – Seven Illinois transportation efficiency, locally within primarily designed to serve general and airports are winners of the “2015 Illinois, as well as across the country corporate aviation in large metropolitan Airport of the Year” awards sponsored and internationally.” areas. DuPage Airport, recipient. David by the Illinois Department of The annual awards are based on Bird, Executive Director, DuPage Transportation (IDOT). For a wide criteria established by senior staff Airport Authority. variety of categories, Decatur Airport, at IDOT’s Division of Aeronautics. • General Aviation Airports – DuPage Airport, Marshall County Among the award considerations are Airports with a runway greater than Airport, Mount Vernon Airport, cooperation and coordination with 5,000 feet. Mount Vernon Airport, Northwest Community Airport, Poplar the Division of Aeronautics by airport recipient. Chris Collins, Airport Grove Airport, and Quincy Regional management and staff, the facility’s Director. Airport, were all recognized on May safety record, promotion of seminars • General Aviation Airports – 14, 2015 at the Illinois Aviation and aviation events, and maintenance Airports with a runway 5,000 feet q Conference, held in Rockford. These of the facility. or less. Marshall County Airport, airports were acknowledged for their “It is our way of recognizing the recipient. Charles L. Allen, President, accomplishments over the past year, tremendous dedication to the aviation Marshall County Airport Board. including an outstanding partnership community exhibited by airports and • Private – Open to the Public with the State of Illinois and a heliports throughout Illinois,” said Airports. Poplar Grove Airport, commitment to customer safety and IDOT Interim Aeronautics Director recipient. Steve Thomas, Owner. satisfaction. Steven M. Young. “We wish sincere • Heliports – All categories “Safety is always the first priority, congratulations to all of this year’s including public and private-use and these airports have upheld recipients.” heliports, hospital heliports, and this value while also staying firmly The airports were recognized in the restricted landing area heliports. committed to ensuring the comfort for following seven categories: Northwest Community Hospital, and approval of Illinois travelers,” said • Primary Airports – Airports with recipient. Holly Rasche, Security Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary annual enplanements of 10,000 or Operations Coordinator, Northwest Randy Blankenhorn. “We are pleased more passengers. Quincy Regional Community Hospital, Arlington to work closely with these airport Airport, recipient. Jarred Hester, Heights, Illinois. operators and facilities, which strive Airport Manager. In addition, an airport restaurant to advance the aviation industry and • Reliever Airports – Airports was named “Restaurant of the Year,” and received the division’s “Five Prop Award” for fine dining. The Main Hangar Restaurant at the Decatur Airport, recipient. Francesca LaMonica, manager. The Illinois Aviation System is one Cessna Multi-Engine Service Center • Flight Training & Aircraft Rental of the largest in the nation, comprised of more than 830 individual landing facilities. Illinois is home to everything from O’Hare International Airport to general aviation airports and private grass airstrips. According to a 2012 Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study, aviation contributes nearly $41 billion FOR SALE N421LH: NEW PAINT, INTERIOR, BOOTS, PROPS, ONE NEW ENGINE, annually to the Illinois economy. For more information about the RAN IRE NC ADS-B, 750 WAAS - $419,000 G -A , I . 414 461 3222 IDOT Division of Aeronautics, visit q Timmerman Airport, Milwaukee • WWW.FLYMILWAUKEE.COM www.idot.illinois.gov. 30 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Gran Aire Ad Aug2015.indd 1 6/24/15 9:19 AM Illinois Aviation Halls of Fame Land In Springfield
by Jim Bildilli not only the computer hardware, but to construct the data base that will be used for the informational searches. SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – On May 7, 2015, the Illinois Besides maintaining the displays, plans for the future Aviation Hall of Fame and the Illinois Military Aviation include an effort to bring a futuristic spacecraft flight Hall of Fame were finally combined and put on display simulator to central Illinois that is designed to teach math and in Springfield’s A. Lincoln Capital Airport terminal. The science to youth, become a repository for precious historical commemorative wall is the result of nearly a three-year effort aviation artifacts, models, books, periodicals, documents and by the Aviation History and Educational Center (AHEC) to interviews on digital media, which will include thousands develop a permanent home for both halls of fame where the of photographs. Ultimately, the center’s long-range plan is public can view the names of the inductees. to construct a hangar and reference area that will be open to The current display only represents phase one of a two- the public for teaching, research and various aviation-related phase effort dedicated to the bringing honor to those Illinois social events. The center has been working closely with the residents who have made significant contributions to aviation Springfield Airport Authority to coordinate its current and and service to their country. The second phase will include future plans. an interactive touch screen where the public can bring up pictures, additional information about individual inductees, For additional information on becoming a supporting their Illinois hometowns, and their accomplishments. member, visit The current effort was funded through donations and www.ilaviationhistorymuseum.org, membership in AHEC. The second phase of the project will email [email protected] require a significant amount of additional funding to secure or call 217-698-3990. q
Spot Landing Contest Continued From Page 27 In last year’s contest, 16 pilots performed a total of 38 landings, and the winner was a Cessna 152 pilot who had just gotten his private pilot certificate less than a year earlier! Just goes to show that anyone can compete in this spot landing contest and win! This year, the grand prize is a $200 gift card to Gran-Aire, the FBO at Timmerman Airport. Prizes will also be awarded for 2nd and 3rd place. Every pilot is a winner, because each contestant receives a $20 Gran-Aire gift card just for participating. It can be used for instruction, fuel, pilot gear, or Best shop time. This year’s contest will be held September 12, 2015 at Oil Company 10:00 am at Milwaukee Timmerman Airport, Milwaukee, Wis. (KMWC). If VFR conditions are not present, the rain date is September 26. AVIATION FUELS See you there! q & LUBRICANTS -Serving- IOWA - MICHIGAN MINNESOTA * 2-Day Tailwheel Endorsement * Only $995 SOUTH DAKOTA Palmyra WI, 88C-Beautiful Grass Runway WISCONSIN www.LEFT-BASE.com 1-800-524-4666
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 31
Best Oil CompanySW April2015.indd 1 5/5/15 1:53 PM Awards & Recognition Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Students Win 39th Annual Air Race Classic
Air Race Classic competitors at the terminus banquet in Fairhope, Alabama. Shayne Johnson Fleming Photo
ifty-four (54) race teams competed in the 39th Annual Scores are based on a plane’s projected versus actual timed Air Race Classic (ARC), an all-women’s air race, June performance. 22-25, 2015. The most challenging part, in addition to heat in the FStephanie Armstrong and Jessica Reed of Southern Illinois cockpit, was performing the flybys at each stop. Reed said that University placed first flying a 2011 Cessna Skyhawk 172R; staying on altitude “when you are so low and it is bumpy is Jennifer Pinkowski, Carly Namihira, and Christina Druskins very stressful and definitely not the situation we are used to.” of the University of North Dakota placed second flying a Armstrong said the win is “indescribable.” Winning 2015 Cessna Skyhawk 172S; and Lin Caywood of Frederick, the title as first-time racers is almost unheard of, she said. Md. and Robin Hadfield of Canada placed third flying a Armstrong is an assistant instructor and assistant coach with 2007 Cessna Skylane 182T. the Flying Salukis. The first-place win means a lot to Southern Illinois Of the 54 teams that competed, 17 were collegiate teams. University in Carbondale, Illinois. A second SIU team made up of Sarah Demkovich, a graduate Jessica Reed, a senior in aviation management from assistant from Algonquin, and Emily Frasca, a May 2015 Schaumburg, and Stephanie Armstrong, a May 2013 aviation graduate in aviation management from Champaign, was 24th management graduate from Seneca, won both the collegiate overall and seventh in the collegiate division. and overall title in the 39th annual event. The title is the first The Air Race Classic is an annual VFR cross-country in program history. SIU also entered teams in 2010 and 2011. event flown by airplanes with at least 100 hp, and not more Reed and Armstrong have been flying together for two than 600 hp. All aircraft are normally aspirated and piston years. Reed flew 85 percent of the event; Armstrong handled powered, rated for continuous operation at maximum engine navigation and communications and took over flying for the speed. All aircraft are flown for handicap speed before the timing flybys and landings. The flybys mark the official start start. Teams then race their handicap speed, trying to best and stop times for each leg of the trip's departure and arrival. their own top speed from the first timing line leg to the next timing line. Once the first plane launches, they have four days to fly all nine legs and to arrive and cross the terminus finish line. Pilots this year ranged in age from 18 to 88. This year’s 2,199 nm race began in Fredericksburg, Va., with stops in Hickory, N.C.; Connellsville, Pa.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; Kalamazoo, Mich.; Lawrenceville, Ill.; Kirksville, Mo.; Union City, Tenn.; and Gadsden, Ala., with the terminus in Fairhope, Ala. The first Air Race Classic took place in 1929, from Santa Monica, Calif. to the Cleveland Air Races in Ohio. The race was originally called the Women’s Air Derby. Twenty women flew in that first race, including Amelia Earhart. Louise Thaden won the race. 32 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE The All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race (Power Puff Derby) started in 1948 and ended in 1977. ARC ran its first race in 1977 with a 2,400-mile race from Santa Rosa, Calif. to Toledo, Ohio, and is the longest running air race in the United States. Lara Gaerte of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is president of Air Race Classic, Inc. Gaerte and her husband, Tony, own Century Aviation at DeKalb County Airport (KGWB) in Auburn, Indiana, where she is a full-time master flight Lara and Tony Gaerte with their Waco biplane on the ramp at Century instructor (www.airraceclassic.org). q Aviation, DeKalb County Airport (KGWB), Auburn, Indiana. Lara Gaerte is president of Air Race Class, Inc.
Flying Rotarians Celebrate 50th Anniversary With Visits To Wisconsin & North Dakota, & Grand Tour of Minnesota
Formally established in 1965 through the efforts of a dedicated Rotarian, E. Edison Kennell, of Seattle, Washington, IFFR operates in accordance with Rotary International policy, but is not an agency of, or controlled by Rotary International (http://iffr.org/). q
Flying Rotarians and their families gather at the Camarillo Airport (KCMA) in Camarillo, Calif. for lunch and fellowship. South St. Paul Municipal Airport Richard E. Fleming Field (SGS) f you are a good person and fly, you are probably eligible for membership in the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians (IFFR) – an organization made up of pilots whoI are dedicated to building understanding among all people by donating time, funds, and the use of their aircraft to supply the needy in outlying areas of the world with medical, dental, optical and surgical aid. The Flying Rotarians celebrated their 50th anniversary at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, July 21-24, followed by a “10,000 Lakes Fly-Out,” July 25 to August 1. The group’s base of operations during AirVenture was Boarders Inn & Suites in Wautoma, Wis. Following AirVenture, members flew to Lake Elmo, Minn. to tour Stillwater, Minnesota on July 25th with a stop at Tri-County • Conveniently located between Minneapolis & St. Paul Regional Airport in Lone Rock, Wis. for breakfast. They flew off I-494 (Only 15 Minutes From The Mall of America) to Detroit Lakes, Minn. on July 26; Grand Forks, North • Lowest Fuel Prices In The Area (100LL & Jet A) Dakota on July 27; Granite Falls, Minn. to visit the Fagen • No Landing Fees Fighter Museum on July 28; Madden’s Resort in Brainerd, • Car Rental: Enterprise 651-457-7000 Hertz 651-457-2788 Minn. to golf, fish, and hike on July 29; Duluth, Minn. to tour the Cirrus Aircraft factory and cruise the Duluth harbor on July NOW AVAILABLE! 30, and along the North Shore on July 31; then departed for • Building Sites For New Hangars With Utilities! home on August 1. Hundreds of events like this have been held over the years 651-554-3350 in nearly all of the 60 countries in which Flying Rotarians “We like the little guy!” reside. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 33
South_St.Paul_Ad_SW_Aug2015.indd 1 7/4/15 11:14 AM Fly-Ins, Air Shows & Special Events Price County Airport Fly-In & Air Show
Bonny and Duane Grube of Harbor View Pub & Eatery welcomed Jim and Diane Schilling of Hayward, Wis., flew to Phillips, Wis. in their floatplane pilots to their establishment on Long Lake, Phillips, Wis., for 2007 RANS S7 amphibian, “Puddle Duck.” the annual Harbor View Float-In. The float-in is held in conjunction with the Price County Fly-In & Airshow held across the highway from the pub and eatery at Price County Airport (KPBH). Harbor View provided a “free brunch” for all arriving pilots in command. Lunch was served following the airshow.
(Standing, L/R) Grant Nielsen of New Richmond, Wis. performed in the airshow with his CAP 232. Nielsen flys for the airlines. Larry Schlasinger of Chetek, Wis., performed in his Yak 52. Schlasinger owns Flight Resource LLC, MT Propeller’s largest distributor. Duane Grube owns Harbor View Pub & Eatery, the sponsor of the annual Price County Airshow and Harbor View Float-In on Long Lake; and Brian Ernst, manager of Price County Airport. (Kneeling, L/R) Cheryl Dooley, who flew to the show from Hutchinson, Minnesota, to assist airshow performer, Darrel Massman (not pictured), with air boss duties; and Bonny Grube of Harbor View Pub & Eatery.
PHILLIPS, WIS. – Price County Airport and Harbor View Pub & Eatery held a fly-in and airshow, Friday evening, July 3, 2015, beginning at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday morning, July 4, 2015, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Saturday airshow started at 11:00 a.m. Harbor View Pub & Eatery is located across the highway from the airport on Long Lake. Floatplanes were encouraged to fly in to the Harbor View Float-In, which was held in conjunction with the airshow. Harbor View hosted “Lake, Rattle & Roll” featuring a live band from 8:00 p.m. until midnight on Saturday. Price County Airport activities were free to the public. q 34 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Pilot Hosts Breakfast On His Farm
1940 Fairchild 24R (left) and 1930 Waco Taperwing (right).
MONROE, WIS. – Pilot/farmer, Dan Wegmueller, and his biplane from Wegmueller’s small grass airstrip. Brownell said wife, Ashley, hosted the 2015 “Green County Breakfast On they welcomed the opportunity to connect with families and The Farm,” May 30, 2015, on their 500-acre dairy farm the public, and see the reaction of kids to his biplane. located 3 miles southeast of Monroe Municipal Airport “It’s pretty unique,” says Brownell, who flys Boeing 747 (KEFT), Monroe, Wis. cargo planes out of Anchorage, Alaska for a living. Kerryann is The Wegmuellers operate a grass-based/registered Brown a sociologist at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In just Swiss dairy farm with 60 cows. During the summer, the 5 years since purchasing the aircraft, the Brownells have given cows are rotated to a different pasture each day, much like over 4,000 rides. the grazing operations of New Zealand and Australia. The Also on display was Wegmueller’s 1940 Fairchild 24R, culmination of the breakfast included the act of turning which he completely restored himself with the help of friends the cows out to pasture, a delightful performance for even at EAA Chapter 431 in nearby Brodhead, Wis. seasoned dairy herdsmen. The rolling conditions of the runway and limited space In addition to cows and airplanes, the breakfast featured for parking, prohibited Wegmueller from opening his airstrip classic cars and antique farm machinery, and educational up to visiting pilots, so he offered to shuttle pilots and their booths highlighting the diversity and importance of passengers from Monroe Municipal Airport that day. agriculture. Wegmueller also added a special focus on To read more about Wegmueller’s 1940 Fairchild “grassroots flying.” 24R restoration project, go to: http://www.midwestflyer. Josh Brownell of Madison, Wis., assisted by his wife, com/?p=6068. q Kerryann, hopped rides in their 1930 Waco Taperwing
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 35
Untitled-3 1 3/13/14 2:09 PM Fly-Ins, Air Shows & Special Events Sun ‘n Fun 2015 Contributes $64 Million To Local Economy
Sun ‘n Fun 2015 marked the first U.S. appearance of The Breitling Jet Team featuring seven L-39C Albatros jet fighters. Matthew Olafsen Photo
LAKELAND, FLA. – The 41st Annual Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In & Expo, April 21-26, 2015, at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, was the second largest revenue producing year in the event’s history. The indirect economic impact on the I-4 corridor in and around Lakeland, Fla., was $64 million. Nearly 200,000 people from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories, participated. International guests arrived from 77 countries. There were 506 exhibitors, and 25,000 room nights booked in Central Florida that week, not to mention the hundreds of campers on the grounds. The daily airshows featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in their F-16 Fighting Falcons, the first U.S. appearance of The Breitling Jet Team Volunteers escort one of 174 warbirds onto the grounds at Sun ‘n Fun 2015. Matthew Olafsen Photo featuring seven L-39C Albatros jet fighters, and 40 36 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE The creative juices were flowing when someone came up with the idea of building this vehicle to support EAA Young Eagles. Matthew Olafsen Photo
A hot air balloon glow provides a striking contrast with the roar of jet fighters and warbirds that performed in the daily airshows. Matthew Olafsen Photo
AIRCRAFT SERVICES by Wipaire
From Touch- Ups to Full PAINT by Refinishing Wipaire other top civilian performers. Additionally, EAA Warbirds of Repairs, America reported 174 planes registered, an increase from 152 INTERIORS Renovations in 2014. & Executive Interiors Sun 'n Fun President/CEO John R. “Lites” Leenhouts was thrilled be able to recognize the men and women in service around the world by sending vintage military aircraft from Restoration, Repair & MAINTENANCE the show to nearby MacDill Air Force Base in a special flyby Maintenance salute to veterans. Leenhouts is himself a veteran having flown F-14 Tomcats in the U.S. Navy. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) were the topic Installation, of conversation during Sun 'n Fun. Presentations by AVIONICS Repairs & government representatives, vendors and colleges at the Bench Work FAA National Safety Center, the Aerospace Pavilion and Aircraft Sales ∙ Wipline Floats ∙ Aircraft Skis ∙ Modifications Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum at the airport, introduced the rules, regulations and potential UAS hold for South St. Paul, Minnesota the future. Workshops on UAS are in the works for 2016. 651.451.1205 Leesburg, Florida Sun 'n Fun is presented each year by Visit Florida and the 352.323.4809 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (www.sun-n-fun. www.wipaire.com org).
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 37 Technology Hey, Where’s The Tower?
by Jim Bildilli
he concept of “remote control” has been around for years. We’ve used it for communications, flying hobby aircraft and for changing our TV channels. MoreT recently, remote control has been used for piloting drones in missions as diverse as search and rescue to military applications. Operators have been relatively close or thousands of miles away utilizing satellite communications for the relay of commands. Someday, it might be possible to land at a tower-controlled airport and not see the air traffic control tower itself. In A controller can direct air traffic from a Remote Tower Center located fact, the controller could be hundreds of miles away sitting hundreds of miles away from an airport using as many as 14 pan-tilt- zoom cameras. in a room with nothing more than an array of monitors, communication equipment and a full complement of switches and controls that are standard in many of today’s modern business. Saab will be partnering with Virginia’s Small air traffic control facilities. Canada has been controlling the Aircraft Transportation System (VSATS) laboratory in a airspace at many of its major remote airports for years from demonstration project to evaluate the use of a remote tower Flight Service Stations located hundreds of miles away using system at a non-towered airport. only radio communications with pilots, and it has worked VSATS is a State of Virginia, non-profit/public-private amazingly well. Aircraft within 5 nm of an airport and below corporation established to examine ways to utilize smaller a specified altitude are required to contact the controlling airports to become a more vibrant component of the overall Flight Service Station for airport advisories. aviation system. The Virginia Department of Aviation is also But what has been lacking in Canada has been the remote an advisory partner for the project. “audio and visual” control of traffic. High definition video and 14 pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) Both audio and visual air traffic control testing for U.S. cameras will provide an uninterrupted 360-degree view of the airports will begin in the summer of 2015 at Leesburg, airport environs, providing data directly to a Remote Tower Virginia’s Executive Airport (KJYO). Leesburg was chosen Center (RTC) at the airport. The RTC will have multiple due to its close proximity (5 nm) to Washington Dulles high-definition displays and two working air traffic control International Airport and its mix of aircraft operations within tower positions with command of voice communications, complex terminal airspace. Currently, pilots utilizing Leesburg the cameras and signal light guns (SLG). Because this is a must rely on its Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) demonstration/evaluation project, a mobile air traffic control to announce their intentions and position within the airport tower will be deployed at the same time. Both the remote and area. mobile units will be staffed with FAA-certified control tower We’ve all heard of Saab, most likely in connection with operators. the now defunct automotive company. But few people The imagery and information garnered by the tower and are aware of Saab’s activities in the defense and security its systems will then be fed to one central location or Remote
Dane County Regional Airport Madison, Wis. (KMSN) Breakfast or Lunch With A Pilot’s View! 608-268-5010 6 am. - 2 p.m. Mon. thru Sat. www.jetroomrestaurant.com 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday
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OMalley New Ad June 2014 Pat3.indd 1 5/20/14 4:27 PM Tower Center where it will be displayed because of its potential to eliminate live on Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD). controller positions at outlying airports. Flight information, like that which is But over time, controller acceptance currently displayed on controller’s radar in Europe has grown, along with screens, can be added to the LCDs for the enthusiasm for employing new easier identification. Using the data technologies to efficiently manage air from the various sources, the controllers traffic at airports that might otherwise can direct both air and ground traffic at lose their towered service. Ahl states the airport with both radio and visual that “It’s not a technology issue any instructions. more; it’s a change of mindset, to have Saab delivered its first RTC to the all of the actors on board.” Swedish Air Navigation Service Provider Both the Federal Aviation (ANSP) – Luftfartsverket – to provide Administration and the National air traffic control at two airports Air Traffic Controllers Association in northern Sweden. Two systems have been to Sweden to observe the are under evaluation at heliports system. Hopefully, the installation at and an airport in Norway. Several Leesburg should provide everyone with other countries including Ireland, the information they need to make Switzerland, Germany, Thailand and an intelligent decision to expand the New Zealand have shown an interest in service to other remote locations in the the concept and installation. U.S. A pan-tilt-zoom camera is mounted on a tower The remote systems reduce to provide high and low visibility observation Many of us remember when you construction costs of a conventional in the air and on the ground. could walk into a weather station tower, and do not require controllers or Flight Service Station to obtain a to live near any of the locations. Per Ahl, Saab’s head of Commercial, briefing or file a flight plan. For better Remote locations that have low volume Civil Security and Traffic Management or worse, technology has replaced our commercial traffic can benefit greatly for Western Europe, stated that there visits to those facilities with a phone call from a remote tower, but with much was some initial opposition to the or the Internet. Hummm….shades of lower initial and continuing expense. concept of remote traffic management things to come??? q
Canada Flight Service Stations & Services tower is closed. anada has a network of Ontario (CYPL) and Island Lake, In terms of straight Remote 55 Flight Service Stations Manitoba (CYIV), in addition to Communications Outlets (RCOs), (FSS) and eight (8) Flight providing weather observations at there are 206 “domestic” RCOs and InformationC Centres providing Thunder Bay, and flight information nine (9) “international” RCOs (used by invaluable assistance to pilots, weather services locally overnight when the Gander IFSS). q information and remote air traffic advisories at select locations where there is no control tower. There are 23 Flight Service Stations in Canada that – in addition to IT’S ALL ABOUT providing flight information services on site – provide Remote Aerodrome CONFIDENCE Advisory Services (RAAS) to a total of 38 sites. IN THE COCKPIT. Thunder Bay International Airport INTRODUCING THE ALL-DIGITAL 2015 CIRRUS in Ontario, for instance, has both an air traffic control tower and a Flight Service Station. The Flight Service CIRRUSAIRCRAFT.COM Station provides Remote Aerodrome Advisory Services to Pickle Lake, AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 39 WISCONSIN AVIATION TRADES ASSOCIATION Jet Air Group, Serving Pilots & The Green Bay Packers
Story & Photos by Dave Weiman police chief, Alan Timmerman, who is a service center for Piper aircraft, as well pilot and a partner and the CEO of Jet as a Honeywell TPE331 series engine et Air Group at Austin Straubel Air Group. Joe Megna, Sr. is Director major service center supporting the International Airport in Green of Maintenance; and Dr. Pep Anderas is various engine models associated with Bay, Wisconsin (KGRB), aims to Vice President and one of Timmerman’s MU-2, Turbo Commander, Merlin, pleaseJ its corporate high rollers on game business partners. Cessna Conquest, and Beechcraft B100 days for the Green Bay Packers, but Jet Air Group has been a leader in aircraft. provides services to pilots and aircraft aviation in Wisconsin for more than 40 Jet Air also became affiliated with owners year around. years and continues to grow. Honeywell engines, Dallas Airmotive Jet Air Group is a full-service The company was established in and Standard Aero, supporting the Pratt Signature Select™ fixed base operator, 1969 in Clintonville, Wisconsin and in & Whitney PT6 and JT15 engines offering first-class service and Signature 1970 became an authorized Mitsubishi for the Beechcraft King Air, Piper network benefits. Services include fuel MU-2 Service Center, which it Cheyenne, MU-300, Beechjet, and sales, aircraft maintenance, avionics, continues to be today. Cessna Citation. air charter, flight training and testing, In 1980, Jet Air relocated to Green In 1984, Jet Air purchased an aircraft rental, an instrument calibration Bay to support the new Mitsubishi existing fixed base operator, then lab, and even pilot medical exams. “It is MU-300, now known as the Beechjet known as Jet Air Fuel Corp. Later that not uncommon for pilots to fly in for a 400, with a new maintenance facility. decade, Jet Air established a calibration flight physical,” says former Green Bay The company then became a full line laboratory.
For Membership Application Call 920-303-0709 - wataonline.org WATA Difference Is Become A Member Of Sponsored By These HELPING TO MOVE Members & Affiliates: WISCONSIN BY AIR! WATA Gold Bronze Jet Air Group Wisconsin Aviation 866-676-7835 Rapco Fleet Support, Inc. Beaver Aviation www.jetairgroup.com Trades Association 262-367-6210 920-386-2636 Green Bay, Wis. www.rfsbrakes.com Juneau, Wis. NewView Technologies Hartland, Wis. Bolduc Aviation 877-303-0709 Midwest Flyer Magazine Specialized Services www.newviewtech.com Membership Open To 608-835-7063 763-780-1185 Oshkosh, Wis. www.midwestflyer.com www.bolducaviation.com Racine Commercial Airport Any Wisconsin Oregon, Wis. Minneapolis, Minn. 262-631-5620 Brackett Aircraft Co. Racine, Wis. Aviation Business, 928-757-4005 Trimcraft Aviation Silver www.brackettaircraft.com 800-558-9405 FBOs, Repair Stations, Basler Turbo Conversion, LLC Kingman, Ariz. www.TrimcraftAviation.com Genoa City, Wis. 920-236-7820 Fond du Lac Skyport & Vendors www.baslerturbo.com 920-922-6000 West Bend Air, Inc. Oshkosh, Wis. www.fdlskyport.com 800.310.5603 Fond du Lac, Wis. www.wbair.net Cessna Aircraft Company West Bend, Wis. Call Bruce At 800-848-5181 Gran-Aire, Inc. 414-461-3222 Wisconsin Aviation, Inc. www.cessna.com 800-657-0761 Milwaukee, Wis. www.flymilwaukee.com 920-303-0709 Milwaukee, Wis. www.wisconsinaviation.com Juneau • Madison • Watertown, Wis. www.WATAonline.org
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Membership Recruite Aug2015.indd 1 7/13/15 10:56 PM WATA Sponsorship Aug2015.indd 1 7/13/15 10:54 PM Jet Air Group, Austin Straubel International Airport, Green Bay, Wisconsin
In 2003, Jet Air was purchased by Also in 2012, Jet Air Group became Service Center, and built a 36,000 Al Timmerman and a group of local a CATS computerized FAA testing square foot hangar. With over 80,000 businessmen and continued to expand. center and purchased an FAA-approved square feet of hangar space, Jet Air The Part 135 charter department was flight simulator. FAA Part 141 approval Group became the largest operator established, then known as Frontline was granted for the private pilot on the airport, with the most heated Aviation, operating Beech King Airs certificate and instrument rating. hangar space. A ramp expansion was and Piper twins. Jet Air Group also In 2014, Jet Air Group became a completed, along with an additional became a Cirrus Authorized Service factory-authorized Enstrom Helicopter taxiway connecting to taxiway “delta,” Center for the SR20 and SR22. In 2010, a new state-of-the-art facility was built to house the entire company’s operations. With this consolidation of services, the company name was changed to Jet Air Group. Jet Air Group received the “Growth Business of the Year Award” from the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce in 2011, and was named “Aviation Business of the Year” by the Wisconsin Aviation Trades Association (WATA) in 2012. Jet Air Group became the official preferred fixed base operator of the Green Bay Packers in 2012, and a Signature Select Fixed Base Operator to further enhance its services.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 41 is a U.S. Customs Office, and Austin Straubel International Airport and Jet Air Group provide this service. Another big selling point for any fixed base operation is having owners who have a passion for flight, and Al Timmerman and his partners have that.
Alan Timmerman
Alan Timmerman has lived in the Green Bay area all of his life. Timmerman enjoyed a 32-year career in law enforcement prior to becoming a partner in Jet Air Group in 2003, rising to the rank of chief of police for the City of Green Bay. Timmerman’s Harley Davidson police motorcycle is displayed in the main lobby of Jet Air Group, and his many accolades are mounted on the Alan Timmerman, Chief Executive Officer and partner in Jet Air Group, commutes to work in wall of his office. his Enstrom helicopter. Timmerman took his first flight in a floatplane at age 14 on a family vacation allowing for more parking space and easier turn-around, to Wisconsin Dells, and thanks to the pilot who let him take which is especially important on game day when as many as over the controls, he is an accomplished pilot, aircraft owner 85 jet aircraft are parked on the tarmac. and aviation professional today! Crew and passenger amenities include hotel discounts; For fun and relaxation, Timmerman commutes to work gourmet catering services; spacious customer lounge with in his Enstrom helicopter, and is checked out in a number of fireplace; private conference room with a large screen aircraft so he can ferry them for customers for maintenance. television and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology; private and comfortable pilots’ lounge with large screen television Location and DVD; pilot sleep rooms; flight planning center with Meteorlogix weather computer; public computer station with Jet Air Group is located on the northeast side of Austin printer and internet access; free WiFi Internet; kitchen with Straubel International Airport, 1/2 mile east of the airline dishwasher; clothes washer and dryer; snack and beverage terminal. For additional information, call 920-494-2669 or vending machines; courtesy vehicles; and for the pilot just 866-676-7835 (www.jetairgroup.com). looking for a place to visit and buy gas on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, there is coffee and fresh-baked cookies. Skyward Interiors Car rental is available through Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz. There’s taxi and limousine service, and on game day in Green Skyward Interiors Bay, there is bus transportation to Lambeau Field. is located in the Jet A big selling point for any airport and fixed base operation Air Group complex, and is a Part 145 interior repair station. For additional information, contact Robert Williams at 918-549-5205.
Robert Williams of Skyward Interiors. q 42 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE The historic C-47 transport, “That’s All, Brother,” led the invasion of General Dwight D. Eisenhower speaking to the 502nd Parachute Normandy, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Infantry Regiment before they boarded a C-47 transport for the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, June 6, 1944. Lost Airplane That Led D-Day Invasion Located At Basler ‘s
OSHKOSH, WIS. – The C-47 transport aircraft that led The CAF plans to faithfully restore That’s All, Brother the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, more than 70 to airworthy condition, representing its exact configuration years ago, “That’s All, Brother,” has been located at Basler on D-Day. The airplane will be a flying classroom, allowing Turbo Conversions at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, school children and other visitors to board the aircraft and sit Wisconsin. Believed lost to history, the airplane was slated to in the original paratroopers’ seats. Inside the darkened plane, be remanufactured into a modern turbo-prop, but thanks to hidden speakers and sensors will carry people back in time to the efforts of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and the the night of June 5-6, 1944. cooperation of Basler Turbo Conversions, the aircraft may be The aircraft will be based in Dallas as an iconic centerpiece saved. of CAF’s new national aviation museum. It will also be Basler Turbo Conversions had purchased the airframe to available to attend major national commemoration events, convert it into a modern BT-67 turboprop and was unaware airshows and flyovers. The CAF also plans to fly the aircraft of its lineage until a researcher contacted them. to Europe in the summer of 2019 to participate in the 75th As part of an agreement with the CAF, the organization anniversary of D-Day, the last opportunity for living veterans must complete its purchase of That’s All, Brother by August to attend a major commemoration event. 31, 2015. With the deadline approaching, the CAF has The Kickstarter fundraising page can be accessed via: launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the remaining funds www.ThatsAllBrother.org to rescue this noteworthy aircraft. Basler Turbo Conversions is a member of the Wisconsin Five hours before the D-Day beach landings began, That’sOmnni Aviation10/8/04 Trades 5:12 AssociationPM Page 1(WATA). The late Warren Basler, All, Brother led a formation of more than 800 aircraft that and his wife, Pat, founded Basler Turbo Conversions in 1988. dropped 13,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines. Historic Today, Jack Goodale of Grand Rapids, Michigan, owns the film, shot as the airplane departed on its D-Day mission, company. Tom Weigt is president (www.baslerturbo.com). q shows it was equipped with an early form of airborne radar to guide the invasion force to the drop zone. The aircraft was named That’s All, Brother as a personal message to Adolf Hitler that, with the Allied invasion of Europe, his plans were OMNNI ASSOCIATES done. “Airport Engineering and Design Services” After returning from the initial drop of 101st Airborne For Additional Information Contact Division paratroopers on D-Day, That’s All, Brother towed Aaron Stewart At 920-735-6900 a glider to Normandy, carrying essential supplies and men of ONE SYSTEMS DRIVE, APPLETON, WI 54914 the 82nd Airborne Division into the heart of the battle. The aircraft remained on combat status throughout the European The Green Earth Deicer Company, Inc. campaign, participating in Operation Market Garden, the Specializing In Environmentally-Friendly relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and the Airport & Aircraft Deicing Products crossing of the Rhine River. After the war it passed through 920-923-4077 or 414-379-0601 16 civilian owners and its story was forgotten. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 43
Green Earth Ad June2014.indd 1 5/21/14 5:55 AM WISDOT_PageHead 1/18/06 4:41 PM Page 1
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A David M. Greene, Director T WisconsinWisconsin Bureau Bureau of ofAeronautics Aeronautics David M. Greene, Director R Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics A T T P.O.P.O. Box Box 7914, 7914, Madison, Madison, WI WI53707-7914 53707-7914 (608)(608)(608) 266-3351 266-3351266-3351 M R E O N P T S OF A N www.dot.wisconsin.govwww.dot.wisconsin.gov T R
Airport Operations & Land Use Seminar
by Hal Davis WisDOT Bureau of Aeronautics 101” and cover topics such as funding, project planning, bidding and construction safety. ach fall, the Wisconsin We invite all airport managers, airport owners, airport Department of Transportation committee members, and anyone else who has a hand in
WisDOT Maskhead CMYKBureau Feb2013.indd of Aeronautics 1 holds a managing an airport to attend. There’s no better platform for 1/10/13 5:44 PM WisDOT Maskhead two-dayECMYK Feb09.indd Airport 1 Operations & Land interacting with FAA officials, bureau of aeronautics staff, 1/23/09 10:16:15 AM Use Seminar for the people responsible airport consultants and other airport managers, all in one for managing our state’s airports. This place. seminar provides airport managers The 2015 Airport Operations & Land Use Seminar with the information and tools they will take place Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, WisDOT Maskhead.indd 1 need to take on the day’s challenges. September 24 at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center7/20/08 12:22:11 in PM Hal Davis The 2015 seminar will include Stevens Point, Wisconsin. sessions on airport marketing, For more information about the seminar or to register, solving general aviation’s most common problems, financing visit http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/aeronautics/ airport development projects, establishing new instrument trng-evnts/opslu-sem.aspx. approaches, unmanned aircraft systems, LiDAR mapping, If you have questions regarding the seminar, contact Hal pavement distress and many more. The afternoon of the Davis at (608) 267-2142 or email [email protected]. second day will be dedicated to “airport project management Hope to see you there! q
Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC)
he next Wisconsin Flight Instructor Refresher Course January and February 2016. Other pilots may audit the (FIRC) is scheduled for October 31st and November course at a reduced fee and receive a certificate of completion. 1st at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh. The Speakers at the FIRC will include several Designated courseT will be updated with new topics in addition to the core Pilot Examiners (DPEs) who always provide an insightful course topics that include Ethics & Professionalism; How To perspective on flight training. Give An Effective Flight Review; Pilot Deviations: Their Causes; For more information, visit the WisDOT website at: How To Teach Effectively; and Creating A Culture of Safety. http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/aeronautics/trng- The course is open to Certified Flight Instructors whose evnts/firc.aspx. q certificates expire in November and December 2015 or
WisDOT website at: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/aeronautics/trng-evnts/firc.aspx
44 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 2014 Airport Rates & Charges Report
he Airport Rates & Charges Report for calendar year 2014 is now available. Each year, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics surveysT those airports within the State Airport System Plan for information relating to airport rates and charges, budgets, and related activities. Examples include fuel prices, hangar rental rates and lease rates. The survey results serve as a comparative tool to help airports gauge financial practices and needs. Pilots, consultants and other users of Wisconsin airports may also benefit from the data collected. The report and raw data are available for download on the bureau of aeronautics website at: http://wisconsindot.gov/ Pages/travel/air/airport-info/rates-charges.aspx. Questions regarding the survey and report should be directed to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics by calling (608) 266-3351. q
2015 Aviation Art Contest Results
WisDOT Bureau of Aeronautics 1st Place: Sarah Drogseth, age 12 2nd Place: Ayris Modica, age 13 etting young people interested in pursuing careers in 3rd Place: Jenny Li, age 13 aeronautics, science and engineering, while spreading Senior Category (14-17) the message about the importance of aviation, helps 1st Place: Connor Anderson, age 17 ensureG the vitality of the industry for decades to come. As part 2nd Place: Brooke Kowalski, age 16 of this effort, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation 3rd Place: Jessie Gates, age 15 Bureau of Aeronautics sponsored its annual statewide poster First place winners had the option of selecting a $100 art design competition as part of the International Aviation Art supply gift certificate or an airplane ride for two as their prize. Contest for youth of all ages. This year’s theme was “World Second and third place winners received a $75 and $50 art Air Games.” supply gift certificate, respectively. Nine young people from around the state won top honors The Wisconsin winning works of art will be judged with in this year’s contest. The top three entries, in three different entries from across the country in the three age groups. age groups, now advance to the National Aviation Art Contest The first, second and third place national winners, in each for judging in Washington, D.C. age group, will receive a certificate, ribbon and framed The 2015 winners are as follows: reproduction of their artwork. In addition, they will advance Junior Category (6-9) to the international competition for worldwide judging in 1st Place: Destiny Gonzalez, age 9 Switzerland. 2nd Place: Bridget Hagensick, age 9 To see all the winning posters visit WisDOT’s website: 3rd Place: Anna Allen, age 9 http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/aeronautics/ Intermediate Category (10-13) education/art2015.aspx q AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 45 A AeronAutics Bulletin www.mndot.gov The STaTe Of MinneSOTa PrOvideS ThiS Technical BulleTin in The inTereST Of aviaTiOn SafeTy and TO PrOMOTe aerOnauTical PrOgreSS in The STaTe and The naTiOn Cassandra Isackson, Director Dan McDowell, Editor innesot Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Mail Stop 410 • 222 East Plato Boulevard • St. Paul, MN 55107-1618 M 651-234-7200 or 1-800-657-3922 Safe Operating Practices A Must For Drone Operators
by Cassandra Isackson required to be registered and pay registration tax the same as Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics all other aircraft. Use of these aircraft for compensation or hire, or any services performed incidental to the operation rones are everywhere today! of an aircraft for which a fee is charged or compensation Many of you know someone received, constitutes a commercial operation and we are who has one, or have heard requiring such operators to get a commercial operator’s ofD an interesting way in which an license from us. In doing this, we are simply applying existing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) statutes and rules. Our main concern is the safety of persons, is planning to be used. There were property, transportation, and transmission lines.” certainly plenty of different types for sale Cassandra Isackson The greatest potential UAV threat to the safety of a at Oshkosh this year. Where, how and piloted aircraft is an uninformed or irresponsible pilot of when the UAV (commonly referred to as a drone) is used, a UAV who doesn’t know the current operating rules and and the regulations that may be required as a result of that guidelines. Anyone who wishes to fly a UAV should checkout MNDOT Maskheaduse, are CMYK a April2015.inddcurrent topic 1 at the Federal Aviation Administration the website: knowbeforeyoufly.com. It is vitally important3/14/15 6:49 PM (FAA) and MnDOT Office of Aeronautics. Our focus is that every UAV pilot or operator, whether for hobby or safety in all aeronautical activity, so we are concerned about business purpose, have a good, basic understanding of safety the safety of manned aircraft and their passengers, as well as of operation, altitude limitations, responsibilities, liabilities the safety of people and property on the ground, who may be and much more. unaware of UAV flights. I urge you to read the feature article The UAV industry and the FAA are working together to by Aeronautics Aviation Representative Rick Braunig, who develop sound rules and guidelines for UAV operations by explains our position very clearly. anyone. At Aeronautics, we are in frequent communication Rick says, “we (MnDOT Aeronautics) have taken the with the FAA and are working hard to help everyone be safe position that unmanned aircraft are aircraft and that they are and enjoy flight in all its forms! q
Drones/Unmanned Aircraft (UAS)/Model Aircraft
by Rick Braunig, AvRep Dakota. And these are the legal operators we are aware of. Countless others are flying illegally as evidenced by numerous very pilot should know that U-Tube videos. drones are being flown in the The FAA issued some proposed rules and they are in United States. LeSueur County the process of evaluating the more than 4,000 comments isE flying them at 600 feet, Excel Energy they received. In the meantime, they are issuing COAs for has a Certificate of Authority (COA) operators giving almost blanket approval for operations under to fly their power lines, Burlington 200 feet AGL within visual line of sight in rural areas. Public Northern is flying the rails beyond visual agencies like LeSueur County can get COAs for operations line of sight (BVLOS), and the whole of more than 500 feet AGL. North Dakota is being used by the test I am seeing copies of applications made to the FAA for site program at the University of North Rick Braunig exemptions from their usual policies to include operations at 46 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE public airports and have no idea of the night operations. danger that they Meanwhile, their pose for manned inspectors have been aircraft operations. told that they can The FAA and the only take enforcement UAV industry action if they catch are trying to help a user in the act. A educate the public video posted online on the operation doesn’t seem to be of these vehicles. sufficient evidence. There is a website: In Minnesota, knowbeforeyoufly. we have taken com that was the position that designed to help unmanned aircraft people learn about are aircraft and that both the personal they are required to and commercial be registered and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or drone. requirements. pay registration tax David Gonzales, MnDOT Photographer There is an the same as all other application now aircraft. Use of these that lets you aircraft for compensation or hire, or any services performed determine the airspace you are in and if it is safe to fly there, incidental to the operation of an aircraft for which a fee is and since someone landed a UAV on the White House lawn, charged or compensation received, constitutes a commercial the manufacturers have started putting electronic fencing in operation and we are requiring such operators to get a their units that keeps them from being flown in some areas. commercial operator’s license from us. In doing this we are The Academy of Model Aeronautics has safety guidelines simply applying existing statutes and rules. for model aircraft operators. If you know of anyone operating Our main concern is the safety of persons, property and or considering operation of a UAV, you should advise them to transportation and transmission lines. Secondly, we ensure check out these resources. Though they may not get in trouble that operators insure their vehicles, and we also get to approve with the FAA or State of Minnesota, a crash with injuries their operating areas. Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to all could prove to be very costly. operations. Public operators like LeSueur County are exempt For pilots, the message is to be extremely vigilant. The as are operators who are not selling their services, such as higher you fly, the less likely you are to encounter a UAV. Of Excel Energy. course we all have to land, so be watchful. If we know of any Still, the greatest concern in unmanned aircraft operations UAV operations going on at an airport, we will work to get is the personal users of this technology. There have been the information widely disseminated. For landing away from multiple reports of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) flying in a public airport, such as landing on the water for a seaplane close proximity to commercial airliners. There is video online or landing on a private airport, your best tool is your eye. If of a UAV flying up through the clouds in close proximity you spot a UAV, I recommend aborting the landing and going to an active heliport, and I have seen video of a UAV flying elsewhere. A crash with a UAV may be a financial hardship around a couple of helicopters that were over 1,000 feet AGL for the UAV operator, but it can be deadly for you and your shooting video for different TV stations. It seems many users passengers. q
about in a negative voice. Yet, GA makes up 75% of all The Airport Paradox aviation activity in the U.S., while airlines make up 20% and by Dan McDowell the military makes up only 5%, each day, across this nation. In fact, three of every four takeoffs is a GA flight. hen aviation is discussed in many communities A community that owns the airport, benefits directly, as and even on social media, it is the airlines that well as indirectly because of that airport. Unfortunately, the become the greater part of the conversations. value of a GA airport to that community, along with the value WGeneral aviation (GA), if mentioned at all, is too often spoken and benefits GA brings to the community and surrounding AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 47 area, is too often misunderstood, ignored, or overlooked. In as well as the community, unplanned growth can cause the fact it may be almost completely unknown to many in the prompt loss of revenue and benefits that airport provides to local community. the community. When housing developments are built near an airport, The Airport noise complaints are one of the first signs the airport is being squeezed. If inadequate or improper land-use zoning is An airport is a valuable asset for the local community, as allowed by the community on surrounding airport property, well as the state and nation. It opens a door to the community obstructions built in safety zones or near aircraft flight paths and surrounding area and brings in tourists who spend money can cause that airport to significantly reduce operations. That at local hotels, restaurants, gift shops and tourist attractions. reduces the revenue and benefits the airport brings to that Besides enhancing local tourism, an airport is a business community, and impacts safety at the airport and within the attractor. Businesses that want to grow and expand frequently community. choose locations that are on or near an airport. They do this In the words of former Aircraft Owners and Pilots so they can easily and efficiently move goods, parts, and Association (AOPA) President Phil Boyer, “The incompatible personnel to their customers. encroachments on airport lands and in airport safety zones, GA airports provide facilities for their communities (as effectively reduces the value of the airport by limiting or well as the national airport system), to house and launch reducing its capacity to grow and attract business.” Mr. Boyer emergency preparedness and response flights and personnel. went on to say, “Developers or local officials look at airports They also provide a base of operations for agricultural and see what seems to them like empty space and (they) sprayers, oil and mineral aerial exploration, overnight push to build houses or a shopping mall. Local governments packages, and much more. GA airports in areas more than feel pressure to use the land on publicly-owned airports to 50 miles from a major airport provide a place for specialized maximize their tax base.” But they too often fail to remember medical personnel to fly into smaller communities that do not the valuable asset the airport is to their community. have medical facilities that provide those specialized services. Mr. Boyer provides an example of how unplanned Many smaller cities across the country rely on their GA development can impact the community’s airport. He says, airports as their connection to the world. These airports "AOPA’s home airport, Frederick Municipal Airport next to provide air taxi services to the larger air service airports. These our headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, is a perfect example airports also provide launch points for corporate aircraft, of the problems arising from a lack of zoning authority. The aerial survey, search and rescue, law enforcement, fire patrols, City of Frederick is the sponsor, yet its zoning authority ends charter, flight training, and so much more. at its border with Frederick County a half-mile from the There are nearly 5,000 public-use GA airports across airport. the country. These airports open the door to the world for "Frederick County approved a massive residential their surrounding communities by providing a place for the development less than 1.5 miles east of the airport. The safe and cost-efficient operation of business and recreational county also approved homes many years ago less than a half- aviation. At the same time, these GA airports provide well- mile south of the approach to the airport. Also, trees growing paying jobs for more than 500,000 people across the country, north of the instrument landing system runway have a direct with an annual payroll of over $14 billion! For every dollar impact on the utility of the ILS system, but because the trees spent on aviation, $2.07 is generated in new economic are located in the county, the instrument approach minimums activity. Clearly the value of a GA airport can now be seen, have been raised. In these cases, the city is unable to protect even though we’ve just scratched the surface! the full federal investment in this million-dollar, all-weather landing system." The Paradox The paradox as can be seen with the previous examples is that when there is empty land surrounding an airport, though Though many people may know and understand the use it is there for everyone’s safety, it is far too often regarded as a and some of the benefits of their community’s airport, they do potential money-maker for a city. At the same time the value not seem to grasp the importance of protecting that valuable of that land to the airport and any users of that airport, for community asset. safety and risk mitigation, are either not understood or quite “Border creep” can literally grow to the actual property simply disregarded. lines of the airport. When that happens it contributes to the Developing around airport property significantly impacts severe restriction of use of that airport, if not its actual demise. the utility and value of that airport and what it brings to the Simply put “border creep” is the incessant development of community. It also raises the risk and safety potentials – not land around an airport for housing, and other uses, that just for pilots – but also for anyone living near the approach continually grows toward airport boundaries. While well or departure lanes any of the safety zones the airport may planned growth can be extremely beneficial to the airport have, or should have. That is the airport paradox. q
48 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Products & Services Moving Up To The Lightspeed Zulu PFX Headset For Comfort & Enhanced Functionality
by Dave Weiman continuously adapts to your environment, extending the amount, hirty-five years ago when consistency and frequency range Peggy and I bought our first of noise cancellation. Firmware airplane – a 1946 Cessna 140 enhancements are just a download –T we bought two Dave Clark 10-40 away, giving the Zulu PFX unlimited headsets, and they served us well. A potential to evolve with new few years later, we had two children, innovations. and moved up to a 1974 Cessna 172 Acoustic response mapping Skyhawk, and eventually to a 1976 measures your unique auditory Cessna 182 Skylane, and bought two landscape, personalizing the audio more Dave Clark headsets – this time response for maximum noise 10-30s. Thirty-five years of Dave Clark attenuation, voice clarity, and music headsets and only once did we have to fidelity. send one back to the factory for repair, Other features of Lightspeed and they did so at no charge! So we headsets includes FlightLink – the cannot complain. But one day last fall, free, proprietary app developed by while preparing to fly to Washington The Lightspeed Zulu PFX headset is Lightspeed for the iPad® and iPhone® Island, Wisconsin, the weight and tight lightweight, weighing only 14 ounces, and that adds enhanced functionality to the employs active noise reduction by sensing fit of the Dave Clark headset aggravated cockpit noise and generating an audio signal headsets. FlightLink works seamlessly a sensitive area behind Peggy's ears, that is 180 degrees out-of-phase with the to capture and retrieve incoming noise. Lightspeed Aviation Photo resulting in a headache, so we canceled and outgoing communications. A the trip. great tool for any pilot, it's especially I immediately began to explore other valuable for flight training. FlightLink's headsets, and considered the ultra- enhanced capabilities also allow users lightweights, but felt that Peggy needed to set a variety of personal audio and the style that completely covered her operational preferences. ears to provide the best noise protection. Lightspeed’s “trading up” program We spoke with friends who own Boise makes it easier for pilots to stay on the and Lightspeed headsets, which are the cutting edge of headset technology. top of the line and priced competitively. Lightspeed will give you up to a $400 After trying on several headsets, Peggy trade-in allowance. chose the “Lightspeed Zulu PFX.” For additional information, The Zulu PFX is Lightspeed’s top visit the Lightspeed website www. of the line headset and is engineered for lightspeedaviation.com, or call comfort. 800.332.2421. Weighing only 14 ounces, it is Lightspeed Aviation is located in the lightest over-the-ear headset ever Lake Oswego, Oregon. q manufactured by Lightspeed. The PFX features plush ear seals that provide 20% more surface area and 30% more space for your ear inside the ear cup than its closest competitor, creating a better seal and more comfortable Charter On The Fly Direct To Didier Field distribution of side pressure. Great Lake Port Washington, Wisconsin All Lightspeed Aviation headsets employ active noise reduction (ANR), which works by sensing cockpit noise and Airport generating an audio signal that is 180 degrees out-of-phase • Twin Cities Green Bay Information: with the noise. The noise and the signal cancel each other • Port 414-881-3290 out, creating the remarkable quiet that Lightspeed is known Washington★ Madison Milwaukee for and increasing the enjoyment of flying, as well as reducing • • Dubuque• Chicago• dangerous noise-induced fatigue.
Map Cities.indd 1 For Reservations5/11/15 6:11 PM Call Lightspeed’s Zulu PFX Streaming Quiet® ANR Captain Brad 262.689.1434
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 49
HarborCity BC Aug2015.indd 1 7/4/15 12:39 PM Minnesota Aviation Industry News
MATA To Hold Annual Meeting/BBQ
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. - Members of the Minnesota directors that meets every 60 days, MATA represents its Aviation Trades Association (MATA) and invited guests will members in building ethical, strong, and competitive aviation combine their annual meeting with a barbecue on Thursday, businesses; lobbies on behalf of members at the state capitol; August 20, 2015, starting at 3:00 pm at Twin Cities works with the Minnesota Department of Transportation Aviation, Anoka County - Blaine Airport (KANE). This Office of Aeronautics and Federal Aviation Administration on event is free to MATA members and $10 for non-members. pending issues; and supports national aviation organizations, All aviation businessmen and women and their spouses and such as the National Air Transportation Association, National associates are encouraged to attend. Business Aviation Association, Aircraft Owners & Pilots In an effort to promote careers in aviation, and support Association, and Experimental Aircraft Association on issues the Minnesota aviation community, MATA will be awarding a that affect the entire industry. $2,000 scholarship at the event. For additional information on the barbecue, scholarship, MATA is the voice of the Minnesota aviation business or membership, email [email protected]. q community. Through a very active nine-member board of
Discover Aviation Days – The Doorway To Understanding General Aviation
by Dave Weiman BLAINE, MINN. – Thanks to the efforts of Craig Schiller, dozen air charter and aircraft maintenance businesses and the curator at Golden Wings Museum, and other tenants flight schools, a world-class museum, and a restaurant and at Anoka-County Blaine Airport/Jane’s Field (KANE), entertainment complex on the horizon called “Flight Line volunteers, airport management, and air traffic controllers, Enterprise.” All of this in itself is an aviation story worth “Discover Aviation Days” (DAD), May 30-31, 2015, was sharing with the general public, and Discover Aviation Days again successful in introducing the public to general aviation. does this each year. There are 400 aircraft based at KANE, more than a Featured at Discover Aviation Days was an educational 50 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Gary Black of Cirrus Aircraft, Duluth, Minnesota, flew to Discover Aviation Days in the 6,000th certified Cirrus aircraft built. chalet filled with displays; modern and vintage aircraft on America’s Golden Age of Aviation (1920s-1930s). The display; flybys to excite the crowd; airplane and helicopter museum’s modern 45,000 square-foot hangar houses 36 rare rides; and good food and fellowship. vintage aircraft, some of which are one of a kind. The Saturday night hangar dance was held May 30 at the Some of the unique aircraft on display at Golden Wings Golden Wings Museum, featuring a 1940s swing band. Museum is NASA’s first aircraft; a stainless steel amphibian; Golden Wings Museum owner, Greg Herrick, opens the the first airplane in which a pope ever flew; six trimotors, doors to his private museum each year at no charge to including a 1927 Ford Trimotor, America’s oldest existing promote aviation, and so people can learn something about airliner. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart were among
When Going It Alone Is Not An Option, Membership In The Minnesota Aviation Trades Association Is. MATA – The Choice & Voice Of Industry Professionals Since 1945
• Liaison With Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Metropolitan Airports Commission State Legislature Federal Aviation Administration Other State & National Aviation Organizations • Cosponsor of "Minnesota Aviation Day At The Capitol" • Affiliate Member of the National Air Transportation Association • Nine-Member Board Committed To Protecting • Strong Lobbying Force & Promoting Minnesota Aviation Businesses Working On Behalf of General Aviation In Minnesota
For Membership Application or Additional Information, Go To: http://www.mata-online.org/ "Membership" Or Call or Email Nancy at 952-851-0631 ext 322 • [email protected]
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 51 MATA Ad 2014.tif 1 4/24/14 6:53 PM Greg Herrick taxis his Ford Trimotor for takeoff and a few flybys for the crowd. Darlene Dahlseide of the Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics distributed aviation education materials and information.
Kids enjoying making paper airplanes. Colleges and universities with aviation programs, such as University of Minnesota – Crookston, were promoting their programs.
the many notable aviators who have flown some of these KANE consists of 1800 acres, and features two runways: unique and rare aircraft. 9-27 (5,000 x 100 ft), and 18/36 (4,855 x 100 ft), a precision Situated near the National Sports Center, Anoka County- approach on Rwy 27, and a contract air traffic control tower. Blaine Airport/Jane’s Field (KANE) continues to make KANE supports more than 76,000 takeoffs and landings improvements to accommodate a growing demand for general annually. KANE is managed by Glenn Burke. aviation in the northern suburbs. KANE is one of seven (7) There was no admission charge to Discover Aviation Days, airports operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission but automobile parking donations were welcomed, and there (MAC), which include Minneapolis-St. Paul International was a raffle to help raise the revenue needed to produce the Airport (MSP), and six (6) general aviation reliever airports event. strategically located throughout the Twin Cities metro. All For additional information on Discover Aviation Days, combined, MAC operates one of the largest and best airport visit www.DiscoverAviationDays.org. q systems in the nation! 52 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Floatplanes lined the shores of Gull Lake at Madden’s Resort near Brainerd, Minnesota, for the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association Safety Seminar & Fly-In. Madden’s Resort Hosts Minnesota Seaplane Seminar & Fly-In
BRAINERD, MINN. – Under the leadership of Randy Schoephoerster, owner of the flight school Air Trek North at Minneapolis Airlake Airport in Lakeville, Minnesota (www.airtreknorth.com), the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association (MSPA) took a giant leap forward this year with its seminar and fly-in, May 15-17, 2015, at Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake near Brainerd, Minnesota. Attendance was up from years past in part due to Greg Reigel some heavy promotion, Aviation Attorney Randy Schoephoerster but the association’s decision to (952) 238-1060 move the dates from the first weekend in May to mid-May gave the ice time Email: to melt. As a result, 20 floatplanes H FAA Regulatory/Certificate Actions [email protected] flew in, and aircraft on wheels landed H Aviation & Commercial Transactions www.AeroLegalServices.com at nearby East Gull Lake Airport H Licensed In Minnesota & Wisconsin (9Y2) and Brainerd Lakes Regional H Airport (KBRD). Member, AOPA Legal Services Panel Reigel Law Firm, Ltd. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 53 Reigel_Feb2015.indd 1 1/16/15 9:35 AM Seminar speakers included Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Director Cassandra Cassandra Isackson Isackson; MNDOT Aeronautics chief pilot, Jeff Flynn; Seaplane Pilots Association Executive Director Steve McCaughey (www. seaplanes.org); FAA aviation safety inspector, Kevin Morris; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources aquatic invasive species specialist, Jason Jenson; and float manufacturers Chuck Wiplinger of Wipaire, Inc., Jeff Voight of Aeroset, and Brian Huberty of Clamar. Discussing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and rules and regulations affecting their operation was Wipaire An accuracy-landing contest was held on Saturday chief pilot, Brian Addis. Kevin Morris afternoon before dinner. Brian Schanche of Lino Lakes, of the FAA discussed seaplane accidents, Minnesota took first place honors in his Cessna 185. Brad Brian Schanche of Adventure Bound Hayden of Robotic Skies was the banquet speaker who Seaplanes discussed flying in the Arctic discussed how drones can affect general aviation pilots. Circle and Alaska, and retired air traffic According to Hayden, more than 500,000 UAS are now controller, Mark Schreier, also spoke. Brad Hayden in the hands of non-aviators for the most part. Lightspeed 54 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE East Gull Lake Airport (9Y2), East Gull Lake, Minnesota
donated a Zulu headset as the facilities in Minnesota. grand door prize of the event. For more information on the Minnesota Wipaire, Inc. sponsored the band Seaplane Pilots Association, contact Randy in O’Madden’s Pub following the Schoephoerster at [email protected] banquet. (952-594-1184), or visit www.mnseaplanes. The mission statement of com. the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association is to promote seaplane flying and safety programs; to promote a forum for the purpose (L/R) Steve McCaughey, executive director of the national of educating government officials, Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA), congratulated Bruce the legislature and the public on Hanson, manager of Surfside Airport and Seaplane Base (8Y4) in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, on receiving a lifetime seaplane operations; and to create membership in SPA in appreciation for his contributions safe and compatible seaplane base to the seaplane community. q
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MFM Subscribe dec2014.indd 1 7/14/15 9:58 AM Drones Are Beautiful by Rex Hammarback Executive Director Northland Aerospace Foundation rones are beautiful. Any comments to the contrary are duly noted, however, the huge positiveD impact these airborne creatures will have on our future will be as broad as any technological revolution we have experienced. The initial regulatory delays appear to be moving towards a Rex Hammarback disciplined resolution with the release of the FAA’s Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on February 23, 2015. The small UAS world will begin to move Jonathan Beck, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Instructor and Program Manager at Northland Community & Technical College, very rapidly from this stage going forward. describes how Northland Aerospace is using UAS technology in If you think about it, we have had a very sophisticated agricultural imagery research. Northland Aerospace was one of the first organizations to receive a Certificate of Authorization (COA) required for small UAS operating in our airspace for many years. Today, UAS operations. The UAS pictured here is a “Phoenix™,” manufactured the radio control (RC) modelers of the world are flying jet by Sentera in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dave Weiman Photo engine propelled UAS and have been doing so for several years now. Take a walk on the “wow” side of life and go to “you as aircraft, therefore, the FAA had “carved out” an exception tube” and search for RC jet aircraft. You will be amazed. to the FARs for the RC modelers. This exception created by Today’s article will explore and discuss the current legal the FAA for modelers came back to haunt the administrative status of drones (UAS) and a glimpse at what that future will agency. look like. We will specifically look at commercial operations In an administrative law decision issued on March 6, and the leadership role of Northland Aerospace as it develops 2014, Federal Administrative Law Judge Patrick G. Geraghty programs to support these activities. We will start with a vacated an FAA Order of Assessment against a small UAS brief discussion of the legal factors involving RC models. RC operator, Raphael Pirker. The fine ordered against Mr. Pirker models were always limited to a maximum altitude of 400 for the alleged violation of federal aviation regulations was feet about ground level. In addition, RC models were always $10,000.00. The fine was a civil penalty based upon an required to be within “line of sight” of the operator. alleged violation of FARs, specifically 14 CFR §91.13(a). One of the key distinguishing legal limitations for the Most of the aviators in our aviation community recognize this RC modeler was the restriction that all operations not be alleged violation as the “careless and reckless” prohibition. commercial in nature. In other words, you could not conduct Careless and reckless allegations have a long and storied flight operations for hire; no commercial activities were history in aviation administrative law cases. allowed. What did Mr. Pirker allegedly do wrong? Mr. Pirker The RC modelers have enjoyed many years of operation operated an unmanned aircraft on a photographic mission for without major issues and/or problems. The RC modelers, by hire over the campus of the University of Virginia. FAA’s own previous conduct, were not technically identified Continued On Page 62 Visit Northland Community and Technical College at www.northlandcollege.edu & Northland Aerospace at www.northlandaerospace.com NCTC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
56 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE Untitled-7 1 7/9/14 1:53 PM Calendar Send the date, times, location (include city, state & airport name & i.d.), and contact person’s telephone number, as well as that person’s address & email address for reference. First 15 words FREE. $.75 for each additional word. Complete “Calendar of Events” Form at www.MidwestFlyer.com – Or Mail To – Midwest Flyer Magazine, 6031 Lawry Court, Oregon, WI 53575 NOTAM: Pilots, be sure to call events in advance to confirm dates and for traffic advisories and NOTAMs. Also, use only current aeronautical charts, etc., for navigation and not calendar listing information. midwest Flyer magazine is not responsible for accuracy of, or reliance on, any information published. * indicates any new or updated calendar listings since the previous issue.
2015 7am-4pm at 2,700 ft. grass Daniel De beans, potato salad, & fresh sweet AUGUST 2015 Ponti Memorial Airport. 651-373-3779. corn brunch at Noon at the Log Cabin 1 northport (5D5), Mich. - The Northport 18 independence (IIB), Iowa - Grill-Out Airport. 715-287-4205. Lions Club annual Fly-in Drive-in 5-8pm. 319-334-4000. 7 gage (GAG), Okla. - Labor Day Pancake Breakfast will be held on 18 Madison (MSN), Wis. - 1940s Style Breakfast Fly-In. New Runway. Come Saturday August 1, from 8 am to noon Hangar Dance featuring Ladies have breakfast with us!!! at the Woolsey Airport (5-d-5), just Must Swing 6-10:30pm at Wisconsin 12 superior (SUW), Wis. - Blueberry north of Northport, Michigan. Alternate Aviation. pancake breakfast 8am-Noon. rain date is August 2, 2015. 22 Blaine (ANE), Minn. - AOPA Fly-In at 12* Milwaukee (MWC), Wis. - Spot Landing Pancakes, sausage, cherry topping, Minnesota Anoka County-Blaine Airport. Contest & BBQ Lunch at Timmerman coffee etc. will be served for $8 To read more about the AOPA Fly-In Airport 10am. $200 Grand Prize, $20 (adult), $4 (child) under 5 free. A go to www.midwestflyer.com/?p=8264. Gift Card for All Pilots, Register at the multi-age car show and band will also RSVP to attend by going to www.aopa. Event. If IFR, Rain Date is 9/26/2015. be on the grounds. Airport location org/Community-and-Events/AOPA-Fly- 414-461-3222. timmermanairport.com/ is approximately 40 miles north of In/2015/About midwestflyer. Sponsored by Gran-Aire, Traverse City. (About 1 hour east of 22 glencoe (GYL), Minn. - Sweet Corn & Inc. & Civil Aviation, Inc. Oshkosh, flight time). Call 1-231-386- Bratwurst Feed Fly-In 10am-2pm. 13 Joliet (JOT), Ill. - Airport Festival. 9936 or 386-5984, and 1-616-460- 22 noblesville (I80), Ind. - Pancake Pancake, sausage, coffee & juice 8965. Breakfast 8-11am. 8-11am. Warbird display & children’s 4 Vinton (VTI), Iowa - Grill-Out 5-8pm. 29 washington Island , Wis. - Death’s Door activities until 3pm. Calendar Header Page.indd 1 3/16/15 5:54 PM 319-334-4000. Bar-B-Q (chicken, pork, pork ribs & beef 13 poplar Grove (C77), Ill. - Pancakes, 5* Burlington (BRL), Iowa - Grill Out Night brisket) starting at 10am. Kids activities, waffles, eggs, sausage breakfast 7am- at Southeast Iowa Regional Airport music. visit washingtonisland-wi.com Noon. 5-8pm. 319- 754-1414. 30 owatonna (OWA), Minn. - Fly-In 13* new Ulm (ULM), Minn. - Breakfast, 7am 8 Moraine (I73), Ohio - Flying Heritage French Toast Breakfast 7am-Noon at -12:30pm. B-25 Miss Mitchell to attend. Festival 7am-9pm. Owatonna Degner Regional Airport. 15 independence (IIB), Iowa - Grill-Out 9 Lino Lakes (MN24), Minn. - At Surfside 507-444-2448. 5-8pm. 319-334-4000. Airport. Minnesota Seaplane Pilots 30* windom (MWM), Minn. - Pancakes and 16-20* reno, Nev. - 2015 National Association Pig Roast, 12:00 noon to French Toast Breakfast 8 a.m.-12:30 Championship Air Races. airrace.org. 4:00 pm. For additional information p.m. PIC's free. Brian (507) 830-0273. 19 lee’s Summit (LXT), Mo. - Pancake refer to www.MnSeaplanes.com or 30* greenfield (GFZ), Iowa - Iowa Aviation Breakfast 8:30am-Noon. call or email Randy Schoephoerster at Museum. PIC eat free, Free admission 19 oconto (OCQ), Wis. - Fly-in & Car [email protected] 952-594-1184. to museum 7:30-11am. 641-343-7184. Show 9am-5pm. 920-246-5620. 9 poplar Grove (C77), Ill. - Pancakes, www.flyingmuseum.com 19* new Hampton (1Y5), Iowa - Breakfast waffles, eggs, sausage, coffee, milk & 30* iowa City (IOW), Iowa - Breakfast 7am- 7am-Noon. 319-240-5092. juice breakfast 7am-Noon. 12:30pm. PIC eat free. 319-338-9222. 20 taylorville (TAZ), Ill. - Biscuits and 9* walker (Y-49), Minn. - Pancake SEPTEMBER 2015 gravy, sausage and eggs, hashrounds, Buttermilk pancakes, sausage 1 Vinton (VTI), Iowa - Grill-Out 5-8pm. pancakes, donuts, cereal, coffee, tea, breakfast at Bresley Field 7:30am- 319-334-4000. orange juice breakfast. 12:30pm. 5 new Lisbon (82C), Wis. - Planes & Old 20* oxford (IA24), Iowa - Food all day 9* Monticello (MXO), Iowa - Breakfast Cars 8am-1pm. Breakfast 7-10:30am, 11am-4pm by the Green Castle Aero 7am-12:30pm. 319-465-5488. Lunch 10:30am-2:00pm. Club. 770-833-1502. 10-13 & 13-16 – Miminiska Lodge, Ontario - 5* Council Bluffs (CBF), Iowa - Breakfast 20-22 Kansas City, Mo. - 4 State Airport 2015 Canadian Fishing 8-11am. PIC Eat Free. 402-981-4633. Conference at Downtown Marriott Fly-Outs. 3-Night/2-Day Trips. 5-6* princeton (PNM), Minn. - Flight Expo Hotel. 816-289-7218 or 816-810-5706. 10-15 & 13-18 – 5-Night/4-Day Trips. 2015 WWII Memorial Fly-In featuring 23-24 stevens Point, Wis. - Wisconsin For more information call 1-888-465- B-25 Miss Mitchell Bomber. 2015 Airport Operations & Land Use 3474. flightexpo.org/ Seminar at Stevens Point Holiday Inn & 14-15 Muskegon (MKG), Mich. - Michigan Air 5-7 Cleveland (BKL), Ohio - Featuring U.S. Convention Center (715-344-0200). For Rally. 616-401-3637. Air Force Thunderbirds and Breitling seminar information contact: 15 indianapolis (7L8), Ind. - Taildragger Jet Team from France. Sean D. Tucker, Hal Davis - (608) 267-2142 or email Rendezvous at Post Air Airport 10am- Rob Holland, Shockwave Jet Truck, [email protected] 2pm. www.900.eaachapter.org U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute 24-26 Keokuk (EOK), Iowa - L-Bird Fly-In & 15 Forest Lake (25D), Minn. - Pancake, Team and military jet demonstrations. Convention of the Birddog. Pancake Lunch, Ice Cream Social & Car Show 6 Mondovi (W69), Wis. - Hot dogs, baked breakfast on the 26th. 58 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 26 Colorado Springs (COS), Colo. - AOPA more about the AOPA Fly-In go to www. APRIL 2016 Fly-In at Colorado Springs Municipal midwestflyer.com/?p=8264. RSVP to 20-22 Brainerd, Minn. - 2016 Minnesota Airport. To read more about the attend by going to Airports Conference at Madden’s On AOPA Fly-In go to www.midwestflyer. www.aopa.org/Community-and-Events/ Gull Lake (www.mnairports.org). com/?p=8264. RSVP to attend by going AOPA-Fly-In/2015/About MAY 2016 to www.aopa.org/Community-and- 11 poplar Grove (C77), Ill. - Pancakes, 2-4 oshkosh, Wis. - 2016 Wisconsin Events/AOPA-Fly-In/2015/About waffles, eggs, sausage, coffee, milk & Aviation Conference. For additional info 26* Cherryvale (PPF), Kan. - Breakfast juice breakfast 7am-Noon. contact [email protected]. & Lunch (8am-1pm) at the Parsons NOVEMBER 2015 Tri-City Airport which is located 11 7 Cleveland (BKL), Ohio - Pancake nautical miles west of Parsons, Kansas. Breakfast and Book Sale 8:30am-1pm. Wisconsin Flying Hamburger Socials Jayhawk Wing of the Commemorative 13-14 Bloomington, Ill. - Biennial Flight www.wisconsinflying.com/flysocial Air Force Warbirds. Instructor Refresher Clinic at Parke 26* east Alton (ALN), Ill. - Wings & Hotel & Convention Center. Contact Fly-outs for you Wheels Fly In with activities, historic Linda Schumm during the week weapons display, radio controlled 217-785-4215. Linda.Schumm@Illinois. ! planes and pilots tent at the St. Louis gov Airports or EAA Chapters, go to this site Regional Airport. 17-19 Las Vegas, Nev. - NBAA 2015 Business to find out how you can hold your own 26* grinnell (GGI), Iowa - Breakfast Aviation Convention & Exhibition. www. Flying Hamburger Social. 6-11am. 641-325-0261. nbaa.com. OCTOBER 2015 2016 2* dayton, Ohio - National Aviation Hall of JANUARY 2016 For More Listings, Fame 53rd Annual Enshrinement. 20-22 sebring, Fla. - U.S. Sport Aviation http://www.nationalaviation.org/2015/06/ Expo. www.sportaviationexpo Information & Updates annual-enshrinement-dinner-ceremony/ Or To Post Your Event Online, 3* Marshalltown (MIW), Iowa - Breakfast MARCH 2016 Go To www.midwestflyer.com 7-11am. 641-752-0012. 10-12* nashville, Tenn. - Annual International (Calendar Of Events) 10 tullahoma (THA), Tenn. - AOPA Fly-In Women in Aviation Conference at the at Tullahoma Regional Airport. To read Gaylord Opryland Resort. www.wai.org
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FLY & DINE – HARBOR VIEW PUB & EATERY Price county AirPort – PhilliPs, Wi (PBh) On Long Lake Next To Price County Airport – Phillips, WI (KPBH) Enjoy A Meal At Harbor View Pub & Eatery OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK BEGINNING AT 10:30 AM - 715-339-2626 On LOng Lake West Of RWy 6/24 www.harborviewonline.com Floatplanes Welcomed • 24/7 Self-Service Fuel (100LL & Mogas) • Full-Service Jet A • Rwy 1/19, 5220´ & Rwy 6/24, 3950´ • Weather Info: AWOS / 715-339-4520 • Airport Info: 715-339-3701 email: [email protected] HOST OF THE ANNUAL HARBOR VIEW FLOAT - IN www.co.price.wi/us/government/pricecountyairport HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH PRICE COUNTY AIRSHOW AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 59
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Harbor View Aug2015.indd 1 7/6/15 8:58 AM Classifieds Single liSting: $.75 per word. Minimum order is $20 per insertion. ORDER ONLINE: www.MidwestFlyer.com or MAIL LISTING TO – Midwest Flyer Magazine, P.O. Box 199, Oregon, Wi 53575-0199 Please include payment with order! NOTE: We can invoice municipalities. All liStingS ARe AlSO POSteD At www.midwestflyer.com
HANGAR SE WI • $199,000 • AVAILABLE • New 2014 construction 70 X 70 X 18 hangar. Metal construction. Unheated but has a roof vapor barrier with 200 amp service. 16 X 60 Higher Power remote controlled hydraulic door. Located at Hartford Municipal Airport, WI (KHXF), 35 miles NW of Milwaukee and 35 miles south of Oshkosh. Hangar is on a 2000 X 200 turf runway with taxiway access to a 3000 X 75 paved and lighted runway. Hangar is privately owned on a revolving 20-year land lease with the City of Hartford. Airport is uncontrolled and no fences! • Contact Paul J. Osmanski - HXF AVIATION SERVICES, LLC, Owner - located Hartford, WI USA • Telephone: 262-623-0580. REPUBLIC SEABEE FOR SALE - 1947 #843 new Hartzell prop - No ADs. Less than 2000 total time. B9F Franklin runs very well and strong. Hydraulics overhauled, new Airtex interior, great radio, leather front seats. Power pack rebuilt. No engine logs! Seabee gas heater not installed. I have owned this Seabee for 42 years and now can no longer fly. Hangared at Faribault, MN. Newer fuel bladder. Probably the best single-engine amphibian ever built. Can be ferried. Will sacrifice for 25K or best offer! Contact Grant Leonard 954-696-1512, 543 NE 20 St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. 2005 Oshkosh HT2923 For Sale - Excellent Condition with 2005 MB Tracking Town Broom, CAT 475HP Engine, Automatic Transmission, Door-Miller Transfer Case, Air Blast, Vibrator, 2,128 Hours, 2,733 Miles. For pictures and more information contact Dan Gage 800-832-6417 or [email protected] 1982 Cessna 421C, always USA owned, no damage, new paint and interior. Lo and Hi time motors, updated Garmin radios $419,000. Contact John at Gran-Aire, Inc. Milwaukee: 414-461-3222. A-Frame Cabin – 3 BR & 3 Car Garage for sale adjacent to Breezy Point MN airport. Golf, fishing, boating, and entertainment within 1/2 mile. Fly in and walk to your cabin. Call 507-766-3319 or [email protected]. HANGAR FOR SALE – Wisconsin – Dodge County Airport (KUNU) – 40W X 32D, Door 38’9”W X 10’H. $27,500. Contact Mary at 920-386-2402 or [email protected]. More details and photos available at WisconsinAviation.com. HANGAR FOR SALE - South Dakota - Custer County Airport (KCUT) - 60 x 60 ft., door 50 x 16 ft., insulated, heated. $65,000. Contact 605-391-7790 or [email protected] Header.indd 1 3/16/15 5:50 PM 50% Off T-Hangar Rentals - La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) is offering a 50% discount on first 12 months of hangar contracts. Discount applies to new 12-month leases, some restrictions apply. Availability at http://www.lseairport.com/hangar-rentals.php. Contact Managers Office: 608-789-7464 or [email protected]. Aircraft Appraisals. Since 1996. Ron A. Reister. Midwest Aircraft Appraisal. 608-799-6634 or mwaircraftappraisal.com.
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 61 WIAviationAugSept2015.indd 1 7/13/15 4:14 PM Minnesota Education Section Continued From Page 56 During the pendency of the Pirker decisions, small UAS The following allegations made up a partial list of alleged operations began to specifically move ahead under three legal careless and reckless acts: areas: • The altitudes for the flight varied form 10 feet AGL to First, the FAA designated six test sites throughout the 1,500 feet AGL (one wonders how this allegation can be United States, one of which is located in North Dakota. These proven with no encoding transponder). UAS test sites can operate UAS under certain parameters and • The Ritewing Zephyr was flown directly at someone who guidelines for R+D purposes. The UAS operations at a test was forced to move out of the way for his safety (Direct site cannot be for hire or for commercial purposes. testimony would prove this allegation, and if believed, could Second, the FAA allows public entities (universities, be grounds for a violation). colleges, etc.) to apply for the operation of UAS for R+D • The UAS was operated below treetop level over a sidewalk. purposes through Certificates of Authorization (COAs). (This can be proven by direct testimony and could be grounds These operations must be conducted for hire or commercial for a violation). purposes. • The UAS was also alleged to have been operated within 100 Third, the FAA has allowed for the start of commercial feet of an active heliport. (This creates a distance allegation, operations by private entities under Section 333 exemptions. which could only be proven by direct testimony of a credible The motion picture industry was the first group of businesses witness.) to apply for Sections 333 exemptions, which were granted. • There were other allegations, but the final most relevant Northland Aerospace applied for it first Certificate of allegation was that the flight was conducted “for hire.” Authorization in September of 2013. The COA was approved What happened to Mr. Pirker? The Administrative law by the FAA as applied for in April of 2014. The airspace judge dismissed the case stating that the UAS, first of all, was involved in the Northland COA was all of Roseau County in a “model aircraft,” which meant that it was not a real aircraft northern Minnesota. The purpose of the COA was to conduct because the FAA in its model aircraft Advisory Circular issued agricultural imagery research involving various grass varieties in 1981 (AC 91-57, June 9, 1981), treated model aircraft as if planted and grown in northern Minnesota for the turf industry. they were not real aircraft under the FARs, and therefore, FAR Northland Aerospace’s early application for a COA and the 91.13(a) did not apply. successful operation of that COA highlights its leadership The administrative law judge went so far as to say that role in small, unmanned aircraft systems development and a paper airplane presumably launched into the airspace by operations throughout the small UAS industry. anyone would subject the operator of the paper airplane to Today, Northland Aerospace is working on additional the regulatory provisions of FAR Part 91, which was not the COAs throughout Minnesota. Northland Aerospace has also intention of the regulatory agency. begun work on several Section 333 exemptions with industry The FAA appealed the administrative law judge’s decision partners for the launch of nascent commercial operations. to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB Northland Aerospace has shown tremendous vision and rendered its decision on November 17, 2014, and specifically innovation in the rapidly growing industry of unmanned found that the UAS operated by Pirker was an “aircraft,” aircraft systems. Northland’s future UAS training/education, which the FAA then could prohibit the “operator” from research and airspace activities will create a great benefit for “careless and/or reckless” operation. its students, stakeholders and industry partners by increasing The NTSB decision goes on to explain why unmanned access to cutting edge UAS learning and field operations. aircraft specifically fall under the FARs, and why specifically The knowledge gained by these early UAS leadership efforts 91.13 (a) would apply to unmanned operations. The NTSB by Northland Aerospace will benefit precision agriculture, decision concludes by stating that an “aircraft is any device forestry, energy, water management and other public service- used for flight in the air.” It further states, “[t]his definition related needs. includes any aircraft, manned or unmanned, large or small.” Northland Aerospace invites UAS technology businesses, “The prohibition of careless and reckless operation in developers and researchers to explore new collaborative 91.13(a) applies with respect to the operation of any aircraft, efforts in the rapidly changing UAS regulatory environment. other than those subject to parts 101 and 103.” Northland’s early successful experiences in that regulatory We now have what the legal community would call environment will allow it to continue to lead in all areas of “precedent.” That legal precedent clearly states that a UAS/ UAS maintenance, imagery analysis and operations in this drone is to be considered an “aircraft” under the FARs. NTSB fascinating world of new airborne creatures. Drones are then sent the case back to the administrative law judge to beautiful. determine whether the operation of the drone by Mr. Pirker was indeed “careless and reckless” under FAR 91.13(a). EDITOR’S NOTE: Northland Aerospace is a collaborative partnership between Northland Community and Technical Just recently, Mr. Pirker settled his case with the FAA for College (NCTC) of Thief River Falls, Minnesota and the a payment of $1,100.00, which was conditioned specifically Northland Aerospace Foundation (NAF) of East Grand Forks, upon no admission of liability or wrongdoing, but paid Minnesota. NCTC is the educator and NAF helps it operate merely to “buy his peace” and be left alone. “at the speed of business.” q 62 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE George E. Luck – GA Flight Instructor & Former Test Pilot November 5, 1935 - June 10, 2015 by Michael J. “Mick” Kaufman out of Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. During the remainder of his Air Force career, Luck trained eneral aviation flight instructor pilots and served at the Pentagon twice — once with the Joint and former U.S. Air Force fighter Chiefs of Staff before retiring as a colonel with 25 years of pilot and test pilot, George E. service. Luck,G 80, was killed June 10, 2015, when Luck’s career continued when he went to work as an the early model Beechcraft Bonanza he engineer and test pilot for Boeing in 1985 in Wichita, Kansas, was giving flight instruction in lost power then later in Seattle, Washington. on takeoff from Pane Field in Everett, George Luck was also a passionate general aviation pilot Washington. George E. Luck and aircraft owner. He was a stockholder and flight instructor Luck was an accomplished test pilot Janice Chelette Photo with Bonanza Baron Pilot Training, named “Pilot of the Year” and a renowned flight instructor known throughout the U.S. by the Washington Pilots Association in 1996, and received He attended West Point and Georgia Institute of Technology the FAA “Wright Brothers Award” for 50 years of safe flying. where he studied aeronautical engineering before entering the In addition to his son, Michael, of Kansas, George Luck second ever class at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carolyn. He was buried at Springs, Colo. After graduation, Luck enrolled in the Air the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. on July 8, Force Test Pilot School where he flew everything from fighters 2015. capable of plus-Mach 2, to bombers and tankers. EDITOR’S NOTE: I am truly saddened with the loss Luck flew during the Cold War, and combat in Vietnam, of this friend and mentor, and I know that he will be where in 1969, his Skyraider was shot down during a mission flying somewhere in the life beyond. Rusty Sachs, former administrator of the National Association of Flight Instructors in Laos. Air America rescued Luck, which started a lifelong (NAFI), once said: “You know you have been good, when friendship with those crewmembers. entering heaven, the Lord gives you a Cub on floats to fly. I During the Cold War, Luck flew many missions in B52s am sure George will enjoy flying his.” q
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